About Us
Hello! I’m Tanya Jensen, a genealogy enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in uncovering family secrets—the good, the bad, and the downright fascinating. I specialize in taking dry names and dates and turning them into vibrant stories that connect you to your roots in ways that are both meaningful and memorable.
I live near Owatonna, Minnesota, where the archives are plentiful, and the winters are long enough to spend hours piecing together family puzzles. My wonderfully patient husband and I have four amazing daughters. Two of them have caught the genealogy bug, and it’s been such a blessing to share this passion with them. Watching them make discoveries and helping them piece together their findings has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
As a proud member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, I hold myself to the highest standards of ethics and research practices. View my APG profile.
Before diving into the world of professional ancestry sleuthing, I worked as a 911 dispatcher, honing my ability to stay calm under pressure—a handy skill when records don’t cooperate. I also spent years working with transcription and legal documents, which taught me to catch every detail (and every typo) like a pro.
When I’m not nose-deep in archives or designing family history books, you’ll find me making homemade jams, losing track of time in my garden, or reading ALL the books. I also have a soft spot for visiting historical sites and dragging my family along (because every road trip is better with a little history lesson).
Hi! I’m Onyka Lopez, and I’ve been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember! As a photographer from Owatonna, Minnesota, I’ve spent years honing my craft, and I love working with people (and sometimes their pets—please bring your furry friends to a session if you can!). My style is earthy and true-to-color, with a love for greens, browns, and ivory tones, and I always aim to create photos that feel natural, authentic, and timeless.
When I’m not behind the camera, I love exploring anything creative—drawing, painting, sewing, crocheting—you name it! I also have a fascination with all things paranormal (cemetery photoshoot, anyone?), and I never turn down a chance to try something new.
In my work with Beyond Generations Genealogy, I’ve brought my love for photography and design together. I’ve had the privilege of designing our logos, website, and all things creative for the business. My years of experience restoring photos for my mom’s genealogy projects have given me a deep appreciation for preserving family memories. Whether it’s color correction, repairing tears, or bringing old photos back to life, I love helping families reconnect with their history through beautifully restored images.
At home, I’m a cat mom to my two girls, Butters and Pacino, who occasionally tolerate being my test subjects. I’m so excited to bring my passion for photography and design to Beyond Generations Genealogy and help preserve your family’s stories!
