{"id":9885,"date":"2022-12-18T14:29:43","date_gmt":"2022-12-18T19:29:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/?page_id=9885"},"modified":"2022-12-18T14:29:45","modified_gmt":"2022-12-18T19:29:45","slug":"conference-speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/conference-speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Conference Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Ansel, Carol  –<\/strong> Carol Ansel is the Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library in Middletown, CT. She holds an MLIS from URI and a Genealogical Research Certificate from Boston University. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics to libraries and genealogical societies. <\/td><\/tr>
Bartley, Scott Andrew<\/strong>  – Drew has been a professional genealogist since 1984, former librarian\/archivist for NEHGS and MSMD, and currently genealogist for the Early Vermont Settlers project at NEHGS. He was the editor of two scholarly journals; specializes in colonial New England, Vermont, and Mayflower lineages; and has written award-winning books and articles.<\/td><\/tr>
Bergheimer, Kelli Jo<\/strong>  – Kelli Bergheimer is the Director of Curriculum and Assessment for Blue Kayak and an editor for DNA reports at Legacy Tree Genealogists. She owns Mess on the Desk, a genealogical organization company with a YouTube channel and online store. Kelli is the facilitator of the Genetics, Genealogy, & You DNA Interest Group.<\/td><\/tr>
Bjork, Janeen<\/strong>   – Television researcher Janeen Bjork applied the detective, analytic and presentation skills she garnered in a 30-year career to her family tree and then to the trees of friends, students and clients. She is an author, and a Genealogy speaker and teacher whose specialties include newspaper research, sharing finds, and DNA.<\/td><\/tr>
Boumenot, Diane M.<\/strong>  – Diane MacLean Boumenot holds a History degree from Wesleyan University. She co-authored the NGS Research in the States volume on Rhode Island and offers genealogical guidance on her website, One Rhode Island Family. Diane lectures on Legacy Family Tree Webinars and serves as Vice President, R.I. Genealogical Society.<\/td><\/tr>
Brophy, Michael<\/strong>   – Michael Brophy is a nationally known, professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer from the Boston area. His currently the President of the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy (CAFG) and the first Treasurer of the New England of Association of Professional Genealogists<\/td><\/tr>
Campbell, Sara E.<\/strong>  – Sara Campbell brings her engineering training into solving genealogical problems. She is an author, editor, blogger, and frequent speaker at libraries and genealogical societies in the New England region. A member of her local Historical Society, she has brought history programming into the schools. She believes that knowing more about “ordinary” people from the past helps us see our own place in history. See RememberingAncestors.blogspot.com<\/td><\/tr>
Carter, Kathleen<\/strong>   – Kathleen Carter specializes in Genetic Genealogy, and New England and Atlantic Canada research. She was an instructor for the Pima County Genealogy Society\u2019s DNA study group, and is now the society\u2019s newsletter Editor. She has a Journalism degree from UA.  Kathleen is a member of NGS, NEHGS, NYG&BS, and APG.<\/td><\/tr>
Cascio, Justin<\/strong>   – Justin Cascio believes the Mafia works more like a family than a corporation, and uses genealogy to make his case. He has created family trees for dozens of gangsters, and his original research on the Mafia has been published in Informer Journal, Gangsters, Inc., the Mob Museum, and on his own Mafia Genealogy website.<\/td><\/tr>
Cloud, Janine<\/strong>   – Janine Cloud started working at FamilyTreeDNA in 2011 where she created the Group Projects and Events team she now manages. Janine has given presentations at conferences such as the NGS Family History Conference, RootsTech and RootsTech London, ECGGC, as well as numerous local organizations.<\/td><\/tr>
Cochran, Sara<\/strong>   – Sara Cochran, The Skeleton Whisperer, has over twenty-eight years of genealogical research experience. She holds a Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate, a Bachelor’s in Library Science, and is an alumnus of the ProGen Study Group. She especially enjoys breaking down brick walls for her clients, discovering the stories of black sheep ancestors, and helping individuals preserve their photographic legacy.<\/td><\/tr>
Cole, William E.<\/strong>  – Bill Cole, M.A., is a lifelong passionate genealogist. A top-notch communicator, master storyteller, and author, Cole\u2019s in-demand presentations are informational, impactful, and inspirational. Bill served six years as SGGS vice president and co-chaired two international genealogy conferences. His English origins research project broke through long-standing brick walls thought to be unsolvable.<\/td><\/tr>
Crawford-Oppenheimer, Christine<\/strong>   – Christine Crawford-Oppenheimer, MLS, is a retired reference librarian and archivist, as well as a genealogical author and speaker. Her publications include a book, Long-Distance Genealogy, and articles in several national and regional genealogical magazines, including the National Genealogical Society Quarterly. She speaks frequently at national, regional, and local conferences.<\/td><\/tr>
Cross, Denise, MSLIS, CG<\/strong> –  is a community college librarian who enjoys research, especially digging deep for an elusive answer. Focused on New England, New York, and Quebec, Denise enjoys writing up research for publication. She also lectures and takes on occasional clients as time allows.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Dabrowski, Patrice M.<\/strong>  – Dr. Patrice M. Dabrowski is an award-winning, Harvard-educated historian. She is the author of “The Carpathians:  Discovering the Highlands of Poland and Ukraine” (2021), “Poland: The First Thousand Years” (2014; paperback edition, 2016), and “Commemorations and the Shaping of Modern Poland” (2004). <\/td><\/tr>
Dudek, Debra M.<\/strong>  – Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library.  She is the Illinois State Genealogical Society Book Review Editor, Chapter Librarian of the Chicago Chapter NSDAR, and author of the World War I Research Guide: Tracing American Military and Non-Combatant Ancestors.<\/td><\/tr>
Eagleson, Pam Stone, CG<\/strong> – Pam Stone Eagleson, CG\u00ae<\/sup>, researcher, writer, and educator.  She is a member of NGS and BCG, and has attended NIGR, GRIP, SLIG, IGHR and VIGR.  Pam received a B.A. in sociology from Northwestern University, a M.S.ED from University of Southern Maine and a C.A.S. in Museum Studies from Tufts University.  <\/td><\/tr>
Ferretti, Alec<\/strong>   – Alec Ferretti is a New-York-City-based professional genealogist, who works for the Wells Fargo Family & Business History Center, serves on the Boards of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists and Reclaim the Records, and specializes in Italian genealogy.<\/td><\/tr>
Fortier, Margaret R., CG<\/strong> – Margaret Rose Fortier, CG, researcher, writer, and lecturer, focuses on Italian, French-Canadian, Irish, and Portuguese immigrant ancestors to New England. She serves on the board of the Association of Professional Genealogists. Named after her grandmothers and inspired by her mother\u2019s phenomenal memory, she has been researching for 20 years.<\/td><\/tr>
Galvin, Nora, CG<\/strong> – Nora Galvin, CG, is a professional genealogist with specialties in Genetic Genealogy and Irish research. A former high school Biology teacher and laboratory research scientist, she has been a Certified Genealogist\u00ae<\/sup> since 2014.<\/td><\/tr>
Gervais, Johanne<\/strong>   – Johanne Gervais worked for over 25 years at various large companies in Montreal, Qu\u00e9bec implementing computer business systems. Johanne specializes in Qu\u00e9bec research and is the founder of the Qu\u00e9bec Genealogical eSociety (www.genquebec.com), a virtual non-profit genealogical society launched at RootsTech 2018, focused on Qu\u00e9bec research services.<\/td><\/tr>
Giroux, Amy Larner, PhD, CG, CGL<\/strong> – Amy Larner Giroux, PhD, CG, CGL, is an award-winning author with articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Record, The Genealogist (American Society of Genealogists), and Florida Studies. Her research includes New York, New England, Florida, military cemeteries, and burial iconography.<\/td><\/tr>
Gravel, Diane Florence, CG<\/strong> – Diane Florence Gravel, CG\u00ae<\/sup>, past president of the NH Society of Genealogists, has lectured at GRIP and SLIG. She served on APG\u2019S Board of Directors, chaired its Chapter Review Committee, served as president of its New England Chapter, and was awarded APG\u2019s Grahame T. Smallwood Jr. Award of Merit.<\/td><\/tr>
Hayden, Avis Conley<\/strong>  – Avis Conley Hayden has been researching her family\u2019s roots since 1990.  She completed a Certificate Program in Genealogical Research from Boston University in 2016.  She has published several articles including, most recently, \u201cWidow Lucy Prince and her Heirs, of Sunderland, Vermont\u201d in the spring 2022 edition of Vermont Genealogy.<\/td><\/tr>
Hoffman, Meredith<\/strong>    – Meredith Hoffman is a professional genealogist and popular lecturer specializing in Jewish immigrant ancestors, and particularly enjoys solving difficult Jewish name problems. Degrees in Linguistics from UC-Berkeley and a graduate of the BU Genealogical Research Program and IGHR. NERGC Syllabus Chair 2011-2019; JGSGB Special Publications Chair; Town Leader\/KehilaLinks coordinator for Berezno, Ukraine, at JewishGen.<\/td><\/tr>
Holland, Pamela<\/strong> Guye<\/strong>  – Pamela Guye Holland, a professional genealogist, specializes in Irish and Genetic Genealogy. She lives in Swampscott, Massachusetts, and is currently a co-president of TIARA. Pam works for Research Services at NEHGS and as the US-based genealogist in the Green Room at https:\/\/youririshheritage.com\/. Her website is www.GenealogyByPamHolland.com.<\/td><\/tr>
Horowitz, Daniel<\/strong>   – Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, Daniel was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project “Searching for My Roots” in Venezuela for 15 years. He was a board member of The International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies (IAJGS) for 10 years, now is involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects, and holds a board-level position at The Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA). Since 2006 Daniel has been working at MyHeritage liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers, and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world.<\/td><\/tr>
Jamieson, B. J.<\/strong>   – B. J. Jamieson is the genealogy specialist at the Maine State Library, letting her indulge her love of books and genealogy to an extent that she didn\u2019t think was possible before she accepted the position. She has a postgraduate certificate in genealogy from the University of Strathclyde as well as a master\u2019s degree in library science.<\/td><\/tr>
Kaldis, Kathleen<\/strong>   – Kathleen Kaldis a professional genealogist and speaker. Kathleen is an instructor in the Military Records Course offered through IGHR and a Mentor for the GenProof Study Group. She holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. Her areas of expertise are Lineage, Forensic, New England, and Maritime Research.<\/td><\/tr>
Kenney, Seema<\/strong>   – A wife, mother of 3, and entrepreneur, Seema is an experienced software instructor and a professional genealogist. Based on over 20 years of research, her known roots are deep in New England as well as England, Germany, and Sweden. Her DNA research has now added The Netherlands to that list.  Seema has a certificate in Genealogical Research from BU, completed ProGen and is an active member of several societies and part of the NERGC planning committee. Learn more about her at www.Seema-ABLE.com.<\/td><\/tr>
Klein, Jessie W.<\/strong>  – Jessie Klein has been on the board of the  Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston(JGSGB) since 2010. She is an instructor in the JGSGB\u2019s eight-week genealogy course Jewish Genealogy: Discover Your Family History. She has been researching her ancestors from Poland and the Austrian-Hungarian Empire for fifteen years.<\/td><\/tr>
Kohlman, Carolyn Lee<\/strong>  – Carolyn Lee Kohlman, a retired clinical social worker, is the Co-President of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston (JGSGB). The main focus of her family research is the Palatinate, the city of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein regions of Germany, and Holocaust research. Carolyn, is a hospice and pastoral care volunteer.<\/td><\/tr>
Lambert, David Allen<\/strong>  – Chief Genealogist of American Ancestors and New England Historic Genealogical Society since 1993.  He is an international speaker and author regarding genealogy and military history.  David is the State Historian for the Massachusetts chapter of the SAR. Co-host of the weekly \u201cExtreme Genes\u201d Family History Radio Show and podcast.<\/td><\/tr>
Lawthers, Ann G., Sc.D.<\/strong> – Ann G. Lawthers, Sc.D. is a Genealogist with the Brue Family Learning Center at the New England Historic Genealogical Society \u2013 American Ancestors.  She lectures regularly on behalf of American Ancestors at conferences, workshops, and meetings. Ann focuses on New England and Mid-Atlantic research, and migration patterns.<\/td><\/tr>
Leclerc, Michael J., CG<\/strong> – Michael J. Leclerc, CG, (He\/Him) is author of numerous books, journal and magazine articles journals and popular magazines including Benjamin Franklin\u2019s Family, Volume 1: the English Ancestors, and the \u201cCrafting Family Histories\u201d chapter in ProGen:PPS. He is currently managing editor of the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly.<\/td><\/tr>
Lucey, Judith<\/strong>   – Judy Lucey oversees the management and preservation of the NEHGS Special Collections. She received her Master\u2019s in Library Science from Simmons College and joined the NEHGS staff in 2003. Judy is co-author of the Genealogist’s Handbook for Irish Research and frequently contributes to American Ancestors magazine.<\/td><\/tr>
Lyttle, Annette Burke<\/strong>  – Annette Burke Lyttle speaks on a variety of genealogical topics and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. She is coordinator of the Intermediate Foundations course for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), president of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and editor of The Florida Genealogist.<\/td><\/tr>
Martin, Jill E<\/strong>  – Jill E. Martin is Professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut. She holds a J. D. and a M.A. in American History.  She is admitted to practice law in New York and Connecticut. She completed a certificate in Genealogical Research at Boston University, and attended NIGR, IGHR, and GRIP.<\/td><\/tr>
McCarthy, Beth Finch<\/strong>  – I am a genealogist specializing in family history compilation and colonial New England research. Consulting services include one-on-one training and custom-designed presentations. My undergraduate degree is from Wellesley College, and my background is in training and development. (Certificate holder, Genealogical Research Program at Boston University’s Center for Professional Education)<\/td><\/tr>
McComb, Melanie<\/strong>   – Melanie McComb is a genealogist for American Ancestors. She has expertise in New England, Irish genealogy, Jewish genealogy, DNA, military records, and Atlantic Canada.<\/td><\/tr>
McCoy, Carol Prescott<\/strong>  – Carol Prescott McCoy, Ph.D., owner of Find-Your-Roots.com., in Brunswick, Maine, teaches, writes, and coaches about genealogy. She transcribed The Vital Records of Durham, Maine, and contributed numerous sketches to Maine Families in 1790. She earned her B.A. from Connecticut College, and Ph.D. from Rutgers University.<\/td><\/tr>
Meade, Kathy<\/strong>   – Kathy Meade is the North American representative for ArkivDigital AD AB, a company that offers online access to Swedish historical records. She has been working with Swedish genealogy for nearly twenty years and has given many presentations on Swedish genealogy throughout the country and published articles in Swedish genealogy publications.<\/td><\/tr>
Merrick, Pauline C.<\/strong> – Pauline C. Merrick has a lifelong interest in genealogy. She is the published author of a book and several magazine articles, and lectures on a variety of topics. She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Connecticut Society of Genealogists and the Samuel Huntington Homestead Museum.<\/td><\/tr>
Miller, Susan R.<\/strong>  – Sue Miller is the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society Director of Programs; editor of the NYG&B\u2019s magazine the New York Researcher; a managing editor of the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer; and has researched her New York and New England families for nearly 30 years.<\/td><\/tr>
Morehead, Shellee<\/strong>   – Shellee Morehead, PhD, CG, is an assistant professor in the Biological Sciences at NEIT. She is a professional genealogist specializing in research and lecturing on Rhode Island, Italian, and French-Canadian research and genetic genealogy. She is a member of the APG and BCG.<\/td><\/tr>
Newman, Adina, EdD<\/strong> – Adina Newman, EdD, AKA \u201cMy Family Genie\u201d is a professional genealogist and educator. Her main interests are in Jewish genealogy, genetic genealogy, and New England. She has a doctorate in educational leadership and completed the certificate in genealogical research from Boston University and ProGen 50. She also volunteers as a Facebook moderator for a Jewish DNA group.<\/td><\/tr>
Powell, Elissa Scalise, CG<\/strong> – Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, is co-director of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP); BCG past-president, ProGen Study mentor, coordinator of IGHR’s \u201cGenealogy as a Profession,\u201d an instructor and creator for part of Boston University\u2019s Genealogical Research Certificate course, author of two chapters in 2018 Professional Genealogy. She was honored with the APG 2017 Professional Achievement Award.<\/td><\/tr>
Raymond, Robert<\/strong>   – Robert is a FamilySearch deputy chief genealogical offer, helping David Rencher guide genealogical soundness. He is a popular speaker and writer. Robert is a genealogical technologist with a dozen patents and over 40 years of experience in technology and genealogy.<\/td><\/tr>
Rencher, David<\/strong>, AG\u00ae, CG\u00ae, FUGA, FIGRS, – is employed as the Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch. He is both an Accredited Genealogist\u00ae and a Certified Genealogist\u00ae with the Board for Certification of Genealogists. He is a past president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies.<\/td><\/tr>
Richardson, Kelly<\/strong>   – Kelly Richardson is the Founder of Anchored Genealogy, a Division of Venone Public Relations. With over 16 years of professional experience developing comprehensive and strategic marketing, communications, and public relations campaigns designed to shine a spotlight on businesses; and a passion for bringing genealogy research projects to new life.  Kelly is currently seeking accreditation from ICAPGen. She is a nationally recognized marketing professional, business leader, and educator.<\/td><\/tr>
Robison, Dave<\/strong>   – Dave Robison, a professional genealogist for over 20 years maintains his own well-researched family tree, comprised of over 48,000 “close” relatives among whom are 5 Mayflower passengers and nearly 20 Revolutionary War Patriot ancestors. He is currently the Massachusetts State Registrar\/genealogist for the Sons of the American Revolution.<\/td><\/tr>
Searls, Paul<\/strong>   – Dr. Paul Searls is professor of history at Northern Vermont University. He received his Ph.D. from New York University. He is the author of “Two Vermonts: Geography and Identity” and “Repeopling Vermont: The Paradox of Development in the Twentieth Century.”<\/td><\/tr>
Smith, Claire<\/strong>   – Claire is a professional genealogist with 20 plus years of experience in research, teaching, and lecturing. Specialties include New England, Atlantic Canada, Ireland, England, and DNA. Claire, a former technology executive, uses her technology skills to optimize her research, continually exploring new tools and applying innovative methodologies to her research.<\/td><\/tr>
Staley, C. Ann, CG, CGL<\/strong> – Educator, consultant, and lecturer; faculty, National Institute for Genealogical Studies; Education Chair, Jacksonville Genealogical Society, Inc.; author of several articles for the NGS Magazine, and the co-author of the NGS Research in the States Series-Florida. Specialties are methodology, vital records and their sources, computer research resources, and conference planning.<\/td><\/tr>
Strauss, Michael L., AG<\/strong> – Michael L. Strauss, AG\u00ae<\/sup> is a research manager for Ancestry ProGenealogists and an Accredited Genealogist. He is a faculty member at SLIG, GRIP, and IGHR where he coordinates the military courses.<\/td><\/tr>
Strickland, Edwin W., II<\/strong> – Edwin is a life member of the Connecticut Society of Genealogist and the Descendants of the Founders of Ancient Windsor, being a Past-President of both.  He has served DFAW as Genealogist for nearly 40 years.  He is a member of the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council where he is a consult for the Genealogy Road Shows.<\/td><\/tr>
Szczepankiewicz, Julie Roberts<\/strong>  – Julie is a genealogist with 20+ years\u2019 experience in researching her family\u2019s origins in Poland, Germany, the U.S., and Canada. Julie blogs at From Shepherds and Shoemakers, lectures locally and nationally, administers several Facebook groups for Polish genealogy, and volunteers with Polish genealogical societies in New York and Massachusetts.<\/td><\/tr>
Taylor, Maureen A<\/strong>. – Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, helps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title \u201cthe nation\u2019s foremost historical photo detective\u201d by The Wall Street Journal<\/em> and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others. <\/td><\/tr>
Torella, Roslyn<\/strong>  – Roslyn Torella specializes in Italian and immigrant genealogy and telling ancestors\u2019 stories through social history. She lectures on genealogy for local societies, at conferences and for social history interest groups; conducts workshops and has written a monthly Italian genealogy column for La Gazzetta Italiana.<\/td><\/tr>
Townsend, Kate<\/strong>   – Kate is a professional genealogist who previously worked as an investigator in Corporate America. She puts the same sleuthing skills she harnessed in the high-stakes corporate world to task when she conducts research for her clients. Kate specializes in Western Pennsylvania research.<\/td><\/tr>
Vermette, David<\/strong>   – David Vermette is author of the book A Distinct Alien Race: The Untold Story of Franco-Americans (Montreal: Baraka Books, 2018). He is a writer, editor, and researcher. He speaks on the subject of New England\u2019s Franco-Americans at historical and genealogical societies and universities. Vermette was born and raised in Massachusetts.<\/td><\/tr>
Vestal, Pam<\/strong>   – Pam Vestal became a professional genealogist and speaker after a 20-year writing career. Her articles have appeared in The Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly and FGS’s Forum.  She specializes in conducting genealogical research and then turning that information into illustrated stories that even non-genealogists can enjoy.<\/td><\/tr>
Weir, Robert Cameron<\/strong>  – Rob is a professional genealogist living in Dover, N.H. who specializes in solving hard problems related to New England genealogy, from the colonial era to the present. Rob is a habitual joiner and is a member of all the New England state societies, is the Publications Chair of N.H. Society of Genealogists, and is a Tri-Chair of NERGC 2023.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ansel, Carol  – Carol Ansel is the Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library in Middletown, CT. She holds an MLIS from URI and a Genealogical Research Certificate from Boston University. Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9885","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"featured_image_src":null,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9885"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9885"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9885\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9890,"href":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9885\/revisions\/9890"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nergc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}