Meet The Team
Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Marketing and Social Media Manager
Kaycee Connelly
Kaycee Connelly is an Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Marketing and Social Media Manager for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She holds a degree in corrections and parole and a degree in youth supervision. Kaycee has been a genealogist for over 20 years and has worked on countless adoptee cases utilizing DNA.
Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Lab Coordinator
Olivia McCarter
Olivia McCarter is an Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Lab Coordinator for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She holds a Bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of South Alabama. Olivia began her work in Investigative Genetic Genealogy at the age of eighteen and this passion led her to a career as a Genealogy Analyst at the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. She currently works with the Foley Police Department in Alabama as a Crime Scene and Evidence Technician, in addition to her work with our company. It is her main goal to solve as many cold cases in her home state of Alabama as possible. In her free time, Olivia likes to document cemeteries for Find a Grave, play with her dogs and cats, and research her own family tree.
Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Business Manager/Team Member Coordinator
Katie Thomas
Katie is an Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Business Manager for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and has completed coursework towards her Master's degree in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum and her graduate certification in crime analysis. Katie has over 10 years of investigative social work experience, supervisory experience, and genealogical experience. She is an area director, regional manager and member of the Potential Match Panel board for the Doe Network and holds a Lean Six Sigma green belt certification. Katie is a graduate of the Forensic Genealogy Training for Law Enforcement program. She has completed the genealogical coursework at the University of Strathclyde and is a member of the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).
Contract Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Social Media Managing Consultant
Bryan Worters, MA
Bryan is a contract Investigative Genetic Genealogist and Social Media Managing Consultant for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. He holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from North Carolina State University, where he graduated summa cum laude, and a Master's Degree from the University of South Carolina in criminology and criminal justice. In addition to his time with our company, Bryan is also a volunteer with the DNA Doe Project and works on several podcasts as a research assistant.
Volunteer Law Enforcement Specialist
Detective Adam Turner
Detective Adam J. Turner is from Shelby, Ohio where he graduated with Honors in 2003. He attended The University of Toledo (UT) where he was a member of the Criminal Justice Society and Sigma Phi Epsilon, where he served as Chaplain in charge of religious service and the disciplinary board. He graduated from UT in 2007 with his Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In 2008, he graduated from the Police Academy at North Central State College, Mansfield with awards for Top Academics and Top Physical Fitness. In 2012, he received his Diploma in Forensic Science from The American Institute of Applied Science and in 2014 he graduated Magna Cum Laude with his Master’s in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science from St. Leo University in Tampa, Florida. He started with the Shelby Police Department in 2007. From 2007-2012, he was in the patrol unit where he investigated misdemeanor and felony offenses occurring in the city of Shelby. He completed multiple investigations regarding a broad spectrum of crimes, as the department, at that time, had no detective unit. While employed with the Shelby Police Department, he was appointed to serve as a Deputy United States Marshal on the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Taskforce. This is a collaborative, district-wide law enforcement effort, spearheaded by the U.S. Marshal Service dedicated to the pursuit, apprehension, and successful prosecution of violent adult fugitives across the Northern District of Ohio with outstanding state and federal warrants. He was awarded Officer of the Year in 2012. From 2012-2016, he worked for the Springfield Police Department, Clark County, Ohio as an Officer and a Crime Scene Technician as well as a Technical Crash Investigator. In 2016, he received a meritorious medal. From 2016-2018, he worked as an Enforcement Investigator for the State Medical Board in Columbus, Ohio. Here, he conducted investigations of potential violations of laws & regulations governing the practice of medicine & its branches in Ohio. In the fall of 2018, he returned to the Shelby Police Department to spearhead the Detective Bureau and to be closer to his family. He is still in this role. His cases cover all variants of crime to include both property and personal. He is currently in charge of one of the Country’s oldest, active missing person’s investigations from 1945. His work has been featured across many media platforms. In 2012, he was nominated and received induction into “Marques Who’s Who in America.” His research and work has been in Missing & Unidentified Persons, Exhumations, Forensic Pathology, Drug Addiction, Fingerprint Identification, Accident Reconstruction, Crime Scene Investigation and the Psychopathology of Violent Serial Offenders.
Volunteer Research Analyst
Lennon Ferguson
Lennon Ferguson is the youngest member on the Moxxy team and works as a Volunteer Research Analyst. Lennon has held interest in cases of the missing, unidentified, and murdered for several years. Lennon's primary focus in research is to provide closure to grieving loved ones. Outside of research, Lennon enjoys playing guitar, recording music, freelance writing, and various activities.
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Volunteer Grant Writer and Investigative
Genetic Genealogist
Dr. Traci Austin
Traci is a Volunteer Grant Writer and Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She holds a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is an associate professor in business communication at Sam Houston State University. Traci has over 10 years of experience in grant writing and fundraising for nonprofits and educational institutions. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and has led CliftonStrengths activities for individuals and groups. In addition to researching family histories for herself and others, Traci enjoys using objects (like quilts, bibles, and other heirlooms) to date or inform genealogical events, and vice versa. Her latest project involves attempting to date an album quilt (with embroidered signatures from 32 different individuals) using genealogical research. She is a member of the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).
Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Dawn Kosmakos
Dawn Kosmakos is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and two young adult sons. After identifying and meeting her own unknown biological father in 2016, Dawn caught the genetic genealogy bug and began volunteering with DNA Detectives and Search Squad on Facebook. In 2019 she started SunriseDNA and began taking private clients specializing in complex unknown parent mysteries. In 2022 Dawn began occasionally taking on IGG cases. Dawn is self taught but also attends workshops, seminars and classes to keep up with the IGG field. Dawn is a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG), the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and her local genealogical society. She is currently on the board of DNA Justice, a non-profit database dedicated to helping law enforcment identify perpetrators and unidentified human remains. Dawn also has over 25 years admin assistance experience that she gained from various temporary, virtual, and volunteer positions. Dawn has a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communications.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Melissa Gamez Stevens
Melissa is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She is a self-trained genealogist with over 25 years of experience. As a dedicated volunteer search angel, she has helped countless individuals reconnect with their birth families, leveraging her expertise in Catholic records and Spanish, Latin, and Italian documents. Melissa graduated magna cum laude from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, with a BA in Theatre. Her diverse career has included roles as a musical lyricist, vocal and theatre coach, theatre teacher, and artist specializing in Mexican folk art. Originally from Arizona, and of Mexican descent, Melissa is passionate about issues surrounding the US/Mexico border, particularly the plight of the countless migrants who have gone missing or died in the Sonoran desert. Through her work, she aims to restore identities to the nameless and bring closure to grieving families.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Erin M. Donohue Boyer
Erin M. Donohue Boyer is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She holds a graduate certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy from the University of New Haven. With over 10-plus years of relevant experience, Erin has had had the honor of reuniting adoptees with biological families, solving misattributed parentage cases, and unraveling family mysteries. Erin also volunteers to find the next of kin of unclaimed decedents nationwide. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, the American Ancestors through the New England Historical Genealogical Society as well as the Anchorage Genealogy Society. Erin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Western Oregon with a Master of Science Education in information technology. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Her professional journey includes firefighting, 911 dispatching, over 30 years as an EMT, and more than 25 years as an educator. An award-winning instructor as well as a grant manager, Erin has held leadership roles at national, state, and local levels. Passionate about ethics, collaboration, and achieving results, Erin is committed to bringing resolution to families who have been waiting far too long.
Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Tiffany Sowell
Tiffany is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Her interest in genealogy began in 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Victim Studies from Sam Houston State University with a minor in Sociology. With over 6 years of experience in victim advocacy and working with families in crisis situations being victim centered remains a top priority. Tiffany is a graduate of both the University of New Haven Forensic Genetic Genealogy and the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy certificate programs. She has experience as a search angel working with adoptees and clients with unknown parentages and helping connect them to their biological truth. In her free time she often enjoys stage managing or performing in local community theatre, hiking, traveling, and shopping any clearance sales!
Volunteer Law Enforcement Specialist and
Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Detective Robert Taft
Detective Robert Taft is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. He is a 31-year member of a southern California law enforcement agency and is currently assigned to conduct cold case investigations. His first exposure to Investigative Genetic Genealogy began in 2018, with his assignment to his agency’s Golden State Killer Task Force. Soon after the arrest of Joseph DeAngelo, Robert began to explore the use of that same DNA technology in identifying John and Jane Does for his Department. Detective Taft initially partnered with a third-party genealogy organization and in working together, they successfully identified his department’s first Jane Doe in December 2019. Since then, Detective Taft has continued to educate himself in the practices and implementation of IGG techniques and is now one of only a few sworn law enforcement officers that conduct their own IGG investigations “in-house” for his agency. He has completed the IGG certificate programs at the University of New Haven and also Ramapo College of New Jersey. Since being able to primarily focus on IGG cases, Detective Taft has made several successful identifications in both unidentified human remains cases and unidentified homicide victims. Detective Taft had received several commendations regarding his work and commitment to these genealogical investigations and most recently was the recipient of his Department’s Medal of Merit for his work in investigation and identification of a 1974 John Doe that was suspected to have been a victim of a notorious serial killer active in southern California in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Ed Adams
Ed is an Investigative Genetic Genealogy intern with Moxxy Forensic Investigations. He has served over 21 years as an Army Officer, working in a wide variety of roles. Ed has experience as an organizational leader, college professor, and instructor pilot among others. He holds a B.A. in History from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and an M.M.A.S. in Military History from the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He has been involved in genealogical research for over 14 years and specializes in the Colonial American South. Ed maintains membership in the National Genealogical Society (NGS).
Volunteer Law Enforcement Specialist
Scott Minyard
(Retired Detective)
Retired Detective Scott Minyard is a Volunteer Law Enforcement Specialist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. During his 24-year law enforcement career, he has served as a Wyoming State Trooper, a Deputy Sheriff, and a Detective with a south Texas law enforcement agency. His assignments and experience include Special Response Team, Field Training Officer, Instructor, and Supervisor. As a Detective, Scott began his investigative experience in the Family Violence Squad and the Special Crimes Squad before moving to the Robbery Homicide Squad. Scott began working Cold Case Homicides, missing persons and unidentified persons in 2019. He has made multiple successful identifications of unknown remains and solved several Cold Case Homicides. During his investigations of these complex cases, Scott developed knowledge and an appreciation for IGG investigations. He has successfully partnered with several forensic laboratories and with Moxxy Forensics to leverage new technologies and the use of IGG to solve these cases. Scott is the recepient of the Cold Case Coalition Investigator of the Year award for 2023 and was also selected as the Detective of the Year (2 awards) during his career as a Detective. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Scott served as a United States Marine and a Navy Special Operations Officer (EOD) retiring as a Commander following 22 plus years of service. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Midwestern State University in Radiologic Technology.
Volunteer Research Analyst
Julianna Garcia
Julianna Garcia is a Volunteer Research Analyst for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Julianna has long been interested in the True Crime world, both fiction and nonfiction, from shows like Criminal Minds and podcasts like Crime Junkie. Within the last few years, she developed a love for genetics. Through her work, she has the opportunity to combine two of her interests while bringing peace to families around the world. Julianna is a soon-to-be graduate of Saint Agnes Academy and enjoys attending concerts, watching football, binging televisions shows, and outings to the movies among other things.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Krista Whitehead
Krista Whitehead is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Krista is a seasoned Client Support Specialist and Subject Matter Expert at Leadsonline, where she specializes in CellHawk, a cutting-edge geo-location mapping and analysis software. With a distinguished 30-year career in the criminal justice system, Krista has garnered extensive experience in both corrections and law enforcement. Notably, she served as a crime analyst at the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, where she collaborated with the Cold Case Detective on genealogical investigations. Krista's passion for genealogy extends beyond her professional pursuits. She has become her family's historian, meticulously documenting her discoveries on a personal blog. To further hone her skills, she completed a Genealogical Principles course at Boston University. Krista holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from George Mason University. She has also shared her expertise as an adjunct faculty member in the Criminal Justice Program at the University of Phoenix, teaching for over a decade. Outside of her professional endeavors, Krista enjoys listening to live music, reading, taking hikes with her dogs, and pursuing her genealogical research interests.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Jeremy Lipford
Jeremy Lipford is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Jeremy is a dedicated professional who combines his skills as a private investigator with a passion for investigative genetic genealogy. Jeremy is committed to staying at the forefront of his field. He regularly participates in continuing education programs, enhancing his skills and knowledge to provide the most effective and up-to-date investigative services. At the heart of Jeremy's work is a genuine desire to help others. Whether reuniting families or assisting in the pursuit of justice, he finds fulfillment in bringing resolution to those he serves.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Ryan Russell
Ryan Russell is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Ryan is an accomplished investigative genetic genealogist with a proven record of solving homicide, sexual assault, and unidentified human remains cases. He specializes in identifying suspect DNA matches, constructing family trees to uncover connections, and clearly guiding law enforcement through the investigative genetic genealogy process from start to finish. In addition to his investigative work, Ryan helps individuals with unknown parentage reconnect with their families, facilitating countless reunions across four continents. Driven by a desire to restore the world to what it was meant to be, Ryan is dedicated to reuniting families and seeking justice for crime victims and their loved ones.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Dr. Wendy Watson
Dr. Wendy Watson is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Wendy earned a BA in English and psychology from University of Michigan, a JD and a master’s in public policy from the College of William & Mary, a PhD in political science from The Ohio State University, and certificates in forensic genetic genealogy from University of New Haven and Ramapo. Despite her best efforts to be a professional student, Wendy has had diverse and often overlapping jobs as a novelist, a law clerk in state and federal court, a professor, and now a genetic genealogist. In all her roles, Wendy channels her skills in research, storytelling, and pattern matching to bring a little order to the chaos of the world. She recently moved to Muncie, Indiana, with her spouse of over 20 years and their seven cats. When she isn’t teaching or building family trees, Wendy fosters neonatal kittens, quilts, cooks, and watches trials on YouTube.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Stacy Mears
Stacy Mears is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She was born and raised in Nebraska and continues to live there with her husband and 2 children. Stacy has always had a passion for family history and genealogy. She began working with genetic genealogy after discovering her great-great grandmother, born in 1880, may have had a different father than the family had believed. She was able to test her 90 year old grandfather and through his DNA matches and countless hours of research, the birth father of her great great grandmother was discovered. She had caught the bug and there was no going back from here! Stacy began watching videos and attending online education to learn as much as she could about this field. She then grew her knowledge by volunteering as a search angel to help numerous individuals discover their birth families and reconnect with lost family members. She was also fortunate to volunteer with the Omaha Police Department and the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, both in her home state, to provide assistance and investigative leads in homicide and unidentified remains cases using Investigative Genetic Genealogy. In 2024, Stacy attended the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center and obtained her certificate in Investigative Genetic Genealogy. After completion, she has continued to work as a volunteer for them and assist on cases. In her free time, Stacy enjoys spending time with her family and her fast growing children. She also loves educating about IGG and spreading awareness of cold cases in her state, so she takes every opportunity to do just that. She hopes to bring more help to the many victims and their families in Nebraska, as well as provide support for the law enforcement agencies investigating these cases. The opportunity to collaborate with the other dedicated individuals in this field have furthered Stacy’s commitment to bring answers to the families waiting so long for answers.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Meg Keilman
Meg Keilman is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Meg’s journey into Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) began over 20 years ago when she first set out to solve a genealogical mystery in her own family tree. What started as a hobby became a passion in 2018 when a DNA test helped her break through a long-standing family brick wall. Captivated by the power of genetic genealogy, she began volunteering as a DNA Search Angel and has since helped dozens of adoptees and those with unknown parentage reconnect with their biological families and ancestry. In Fall of 2023 Meg earned a certificate in Investigative Genetic Genealogy from Ramapo College as part of its second cohort and currently volunteers with the college on an unidentified human remains case. She has also completed the Genealogical Principles course at Boston University and has plans to pursue a certification in Genealogy. Professionally, Meg holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biotechnology and Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University and has over 15 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, with a focus on infectious diseases and immunology. Her expertise in scientific research and data analysis has been a valuable asset in her work as a genetic genealogist. Meg is a devoted mother of two and a caregiver for her elderly mother. She also volunteers as a wildlife technician and finds joy in nature, animals, and lifelong learning. She is fueled by curiosity, empathy, and a desire to help others discover their own stories and find lost identities.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Melinda Figueroa
Melinda Figueroa is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Melinda earned her BBA in Management Information Systems, graduating magna cum laude from Pace University in New York, NY. As a Senior Software Manager, she specializes in driving web application solutions. With a deep passion for solving cases and reuniting families, Melinda is committed to enhancing her skills in genetic genealogy. She volunteers as a search angel, assisting adoptees and individuals in search of birth parents to uncover their biological truths. She has also contributed to forensic genealogy research, assisting in the identification of next of kin for unclaimed and missing persons. She earned a graduate certificate in forensic genetic genealogy from the University of New Haven. She further expanded her knowledge through the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate program at Ramapo College, and worked on cases involving unidentified human remains. Outside of her professional life, Melinda treasures spending quality time with family, especially her daughter, Leah.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Ashley Flowers
Ashley Flowers is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Ashley has a BA in American History and certificates in Forensic Genetic Genealogy from the University of New Haven and Investigative Genetic Genealogy from the Ramapo IGG Center. Born and raised in Kansas, she began traditional genealogy research as a youth and now combines it with genetic genealogy. Ashley is motivated by the desire to give John and Jane Does back their names and their families some form of closure. Outside of research, she enjoys life with her partner Allan, her 18-year-old son, and their quirky pack of three dogs—each with their own pet cat.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Amber Frederiksen
Amber Frederiksen is a Volunteer Investigative Genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Amber lives in SW Florida with her daughter, husband and three cats. She has been interested in genealogy since she was a child and has been building family trees on Ancestry.com since the mid-1990s. She has been fortunate to retrace the steps of several lines of ancestors and visit their ancestral homelands. Amber stumbled into investigative DNA work in 2016 when her own family mystery surfaced and it was discovered that her grandfather had been adopted. That journey to discover his biological family opened up a great love of the power that DNA holds. She joined DNA Detectives and GI Trace and has volunteered to help many people locate unknown family by using DNA. However, being able to use this knowledge to assist in unknown person cases is a goal that she has been looking towards for some time. She holds a B.A. in Mathematics and an M.Ed. in Secondary Math Education from the University of Florida. She has also taken courses at the Applied Genealogy Institute. She currently owns her own business as an Architectural Photographer.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Retta Whinnery
Retta Whinnery is a Volunteer Investigative Genealogist with Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She wrote a booklet for her family about the genealogical research that others provided, tracing back to the original immigrant, Robert Whinery, a Quaker from “the north of Ireland,” who came to Pennsylvania in 1729. Then, she started researching her maternal side. In 2012, Retta asked a maternal male cousin to take the Y-DNA test, followed by persuading all three of her brothers to take an autosomal DNA test, which sparked her interest in genetic genealogy. She solved multiple cases of unknown parentage for family and friends, figuring it out by practicing. After she retired from technical writing, Retta completed courses from Boston University in the principles of genetic genealogy and the certificate course in genealogy research. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). Retta volunteered with DNAngels in 2023, and then volunteered as a search angel with Hiraeth Hope and Healing in 2024. Retta holds a Bachelor’s degree in education from Emporia (Kansas) State University and attended graduate school at the University of Kansas. She has taught English, French, and journalism. She lives in Shawnee, Kansas.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Kathryn (Kara) Roll
Kathryn W (Kara) Roll is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations and a dedicated high school science teacher. After graduating summa cum laude/Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University Bloomington with a B.S. in Biology, Kara attended Northwestern University and received her M.S. in genetic counseling. Her master’s thesis on the lack of awareness about sickle cell disease in high risk populations was selected as the Best Student Abstract by the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Kara worked in cancer genetics at the University of Chicago before changing her career path and getting her teaching certificate. She has taught science at Lake Park High School in suburban Chicago for 25 years, and has educated students of all learning levels and styles in biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, and forensic science. Investigative genetic genealogy is the perfect mix of Kara’s two loves: genetics and forensic science. She pursued continuing education in the field as a “next steps” endeavor that grew from her lifelong love of the science of heredity and her newfound passion for righting wrongful convictions, apprehending criminals, and giving identities to unknown humans. Kara loves to help friends and family understand their genetic backgrounds and family histories. She has worked on paternity and adoption cases to hone her genetic genealogy skills, and she is a member of ISOGG. She also enjoys traveling to visit her two grown children, crocheting, watching college football, practicing yoga, and listening to true crime podcasts.
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Suzanne Anderson
Suzanne Anderson is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Graduating with distinction from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in psychology and a B.A. in English language and literature, she went on to pursue a master’s in criminal justice from Northeastern University in Boston. She worked as a research assistant for the Boston Police Department and a grant writer for the Chelsea (Mass.) Police Department before ultimately following her English-major roots into the book publishing industry, copyediting and proofreading hundreds of titles while raising her children. Her “second half” career in IGG combines her lifelong interest in criminal investigations with her eagle eye for detail to assist law enforcement, forensic professionals, and families in restoring identities to unknown human remains. She’s a firm believer in the George Eliot quote, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” Based in the New York City suburbs, Suzanne bolsters her IGG education and skills through classes, webinars, and “search angel” cases for adoptees. She’s a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG). Her hobbies include reading, cooking for family and friends, solving word puzzles, and listening to true crime podcasts while walking her elderly English bulldog.
Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Daniela Weil
Daniela Weil is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Daniela was born in São Paulo, Brazil, but has now spent about half of her life in the United States. She speaks Portuguese and Spanish. She studied biology at Brandeis University and worked as a field biologist identifying individual Right Whales in the Bay of Fundy. Having a love for art her whole life, she also illustrated whale guides and science books, after which she specialized in medical illustration and animation. She has also written and illustrated several children’s books and science articles for kids. Having an ever-learning spirit, Daniela decided to take her obsession with podcasts on solving true crime to the next level. In 2024, she completed her graduate certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy at the University of New Haven. She is passionate about using her knowledge and time to help families find their missing loved ones, and provide justice to the wrongly incarcerated. Daniela is also a volunteer genealogist with the Clearwater Colored Cemetery Society, helping to find descendants for those buried in erased cemeteries. She has also volunteered with refugee resettlement for many years. In her free time, Daniela loves to hang out with her dog Bucky, walk nature trails, travel internationally with her family and learn about different cultures and food. And watch British crime series!
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Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist
Larry A. Olson
Larry A. Olson is a Volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. He is a recently retired forensic document examiner with the federal government, who for almost 40 years was tasked with scientifically examining documents involved in tax, financial, and identity fraud investigations to determine whether fraud was committed. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners and a Fellow of the Questioned Document Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. He is also a retired Naval Reserve Captain. Larry was bitten by the genealogy bug in college and has spent over 50 years researching his Norwegian and German roots and his wife’s Swedish and Colonial American ancestry. He has been primarily self-taught through reading, attending and giving presentations at meetings, and webinars. He has been a long-time member of two local Chicago genealogical societies, as well as the Wisconsin State Historical Society, the Minnesota Genealogical Society, and German and Norwegian heritage societies. He has attended IGG presentations at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences meetings in 2022, 2023, and 2025, and recently become a life member of Diahan Southard’s YourDNA Study Group. Thus far, Larry has been filling his retirement time with travel with his wife and family, singing in a men’s choral group, architectural tours, social/athletic activities in his retirement complex, and time with children and grandchildren. He is especially looking forward to volunteering with Moxxy as well.
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Volunteer Grant Writer and Investigative
Genetic Genealogist
Andrea Frank
Andrea Frank is a Volunteer Grant Writer and Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Andrea was born, raised, and currently works in Tucson, Arizona with 20 years of experience as a Forensic DNA Analyst at a local crime laboratory. She holds two Bachelor degrees from the University of Arizona in Microbiology and Medical Technology, and a Master’s degree in Forensic DNA and Serology from the University of Florida. She has completed the University of New Haven’s Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy certificate program. In her capacity as a Forensic DNA Analyst, and unit supervisor, she has applied for and managed competitive and formula grants for her agency for sexual assault kits (SAKs), property crimes, and backlog reduction initiatives.
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