Retired secondary teacher, Janeen Ann O’Connell has been researching the murky convict past of her family tree for many years. The history was very well hidden by preceding generations, even with older family members vehemently denying any convict connections.
Janeen’s perseverance and excellent research skills gave voice to the long buried and long forgotten souls who were transported to the other side of the world as a form of punishment for minor crimes. In recognising them, she gives them permission to tell their stories in the first book of the Cullen/Bartlett dynasty.
Janeen has a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Politics, and sub-majoring in Journalism. She completed a Graduate Diploma of Education whilst working full time and raising three children.
Since retiring, she has completed a Diploma of Family History at the University of Tasmania. The subjects offered in this course, led Janeen on the path to convict discovery.
Janeen lives in Melbourne with her husband and their miniature poodle.
