Cafi Cohen earned degrees in chemistry and medical technology from UCLA and the University of North Dakota, and spent many years in a variety of pursuits - from laboratory research and piano teaching to promoting home education as a nationwide speaker and author of three books on homeschooling.

In 1995, Cafi began family research to learn the name of her maternal grandmother. Within a year, she was hooked on growing her family tree. She has followed her various lines from California, the midwest, the old south, and New England – to England, France, Germany, Ireland, and Italy. Researching her husband’s Jewish family, migrants from Poland, Roumania, and Russia – to New York City and Texas, added to her experience base.

Cafi has completed the National Genealogical Society Home Study Course in American Genealogy and attended many conferences and seminars, most recently, the National Institute on Genealogical Research in Washington, DC. As Education Chairperson of the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society for more than 10 years, she has presented dozens of case studies as well as sessions on research techniques and computer/Internet genealogy. She has also been the chief organizer of several San Luis Obispo County Genealogy Society area-wide seminars and group trips to the Salt Lake City Family History Library. 

Together with Cheryl Storton, Cafi began Bridge To Yesterday to couple genealogy research services with gorgeous output – beautiful albums and bound books that your family will not only save, but also will read, study, and even enjoy. Since its inception, Bridge To Yesterday has produced more than 50 family history books for clients nationwide. 

Cafi is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the National Genealogical Society, and the San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society. In 2003, she received the California State Genealogical Alliance Distinguished Service Award.

Cafi lives on the beautiful Central California Coast with her husband, a retired Air Force periodontist.

Friday 4:30 p.m.  FR-022. Cousin-Connection Genealogy.  Find family photos and documents unavailable in any courthouse, library, or archives by tracing and contacting living people with whom you share great-great-grandparents.  [All]

Saturday 10:00 a.m.  SA-038.  Big City Research.  Overcome the challenges of needle-in-haystack genealogy presented by ancestors who lived in big cities.  [All]