Meet the Relative Connections Team
Ryan Shaw
Founder & Director
I started Relative Connections because I saw how many people were trying to navigate emotional, often overwhelming searches on their own. Over the years, I’ve learned that most people aren’t just looking for information — they’re looking for clarity, reassurance, and someone who genuinely understands what they’re going through.
My role is to make sure every search is handled with care, consent, and the right support. No two situations are the same, and sometimes the best thing we can do is slow things down, pause, or rethink the next step. Doing what’s right for the people involved will always come before anything else.
I’ve spent the last few years strengthening the team around me, bringing in safeguarding and intermediary expertise so every client feels informed and supported from the very first conversation. I never want anyone to feel rushed, pressured, or left wondering what’s happening.
Relative Connections has grown a lot over the years, but the heart of the work hasn’t changed: people deserve to feel safe, respected, and understood during a very personal part of their lives. That’s what guides me every day.
Sue Harrison
Senior Researcher
I’ve had the joy of being part of the Relative Connections family since 2016. I’ve been with the team for almost 9 years now, and I can honestly say I’ve loved every single day. My role is to be your guide, your cheerleader, and your rock during the most incredible part of your journey: the moment you make contact.
I’ve been a mum and a wife for over 30 years, and I bring all that love and experience to the team. My family is my whole world, and I treat every client just like a member of my own. I get to hear all the amazing stories and witness the beautiful reunions that happen every single day.
When you decide to move forward with your search, my job is to ensure you feel supported and completely ready for that next step. I’m here to make sure you get the best possible outcome, and I can’t wait to help you write the next joyful chapter of your story.
Amanda Harrison
Intermediary Lead
I joined Relative Connections in October 2025, and in that time I’ve been genuinely inspired by the passion and care our team puts into every search.
My background is in mental health and therapeutic support across a range of settings, including children’s mental health services, the prison service, local authorities, and veteran care. No matter where I’ve worked, my focus has always been on people — building trust, offering support, and helping individuals feel heard and understood.
As Intermediary Lead, I bring that same compassion into every case. I love the challenge of finding that missing piece or reconnecting someone with a person who once meant so much. I love the work I do, and I put my whole heart into it. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping a client reach the outcome they’ve been hoping for. Every case matters, every story matters, and every person matters — and that’s what motivates me every single day.
John Arko
DNA Specialist
The story of Relative Connections really starts with Ryan and me. We’ve been friends for years, and we built this business together from the ground up, fueled by a shared dream of helping people. Like any true partnership, we’ve had our ups and downs, but it’s what led me to where I am today, doing what I love.
In recent years, I’ve dived deep into the world of DNA, and I’ve found my true calling. It’s like being a detective, but with a joyful twist. When you have very little information to go on, DNA can provide the crucial missing piece. I get to use my expertise to bring clarity to people’s lives and give them the peace of mind they’ve been looking for.
When you choose our DNA service, you’ll be working directly with me. I’m excited to share my knowledge and help you uncover the answers you’ve been searching for. DNA service
Jake Birchall
Search Specialist
My journey with Relative Connections started almost a decade ago as a researcher. I loved the detective work, but what really made my heart sing was talking to our potential clients. I found myself drawn to their stories, their hopes, and the reasons they were reaching out.
That passion for listening led me to my role as a lead consultant, where I could hear your story firsthand. Now, as General Manager, I get to use that same care to guide our whole team.
My own family is a beautiful blended one with a son and a stepdaughter. I’ve had my share of family struggles, and I know that family matters more than anything.
My personal experience allows me and the team to approach every call with empathy and understanding, knowing exactly where you’ve been. We’re here to listen, to help you find the best service for your needs, and to support you on your journey.
Jacob Thackray
Search Consultant
As a Search Specialist, I’ll be the first person you speak with during your initial consultation. My role is to listen to your story, understand your circumstances, and guide you through the first steps of the process.
Having gone through my own search journey with my family, I know how daunting it can seem at the start. That experience inspired me to give back and show others that it doesn’t have to be scary. It can be a positive, life-changing step — and I’m here to help you see that.
Every day I get the opportunity to connect with people, listen to their stories, and offer reassurance at a time when they need it most.
I’m here to make sure you feel heard, supported, and confident about the journey ahead.
Jess Rowley
Marketing Assistant
I joined the Relative Connections family in July 2024, and from the very beginning I’ve had the privilege of working across every department. That experience has given me a deep understanding of what families go through at each stage of their journey — the hopes, the worries, and the courage it takes to reach out for support.
My role now is to make sure everything we share as a team feels clear, warm, and genuinely reassuring. Whether I’m updating the website, creating resources, or helping shape the way we communicate, my focus is always on the people reading it. I want every client to feel understood, supported, and confident about what happens next.
One of the things I love most about my job is knowing that the words I write can make someone feel a little less alone at a really important moment in their life. I get to take everything I’ve learned from each department — and from the incredible stories we hear every day — and turn it into communication that truly reflects the heart of Relative Connections.
I’m here to make sure your experience with us feels safe, simple, and full of care from the very first moment you find us.