Everyone around the globe seems to be interested in their family roots. DNA databases like Ancestry, My Heritage, Living DNA, FindMyPast, and 23andMe are only a handful of tests people can avail themselves of these days. “And sometimes, those results can unearth surprises,” Tobi tells me. You can say that again. When my mom died, we learned that – not only was she German; she was Jewish as well. My sisters and I never knew this – and our dad wasn’t willing to help us fill in the blanks. Left with a gazillion questions, we’re hoping DNA testing will help us get answers. “So, it all starts with a question, and everyone’s journey is personal,” the woman across from me says. “Sometimes, those questions are painful. Imagine learning you have a half-sister or brother. That means you have a parent out there – someone you know nothing about. Or maybe you discover you’re adopted. There are so many things that can happen after receiving DNA results you weren’t expecting.”
When Tobi reviews the investigative packages she offers to clients (should they choose to move ahead with their questions), I’m impressed.
EXPLORE: Comes with five hours of research and is a good starting point for larger projects.
EXAMINE: Tobi provides 20 hours of research and suggests this package for someone with an unknown parent.
DISCOVER: This is the most extensive offering, including 30 hours of research and both hard copy and electronic results. “I feel very strongly about calls from the past. Whether it’s a series of questions concerning victims of crime or someone searching for answers to their family history,” Tobi tells me with a contemplative gleam in her eye. “We all need to have those questions answered – and they can be, through DNA.”
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That’s where Tobi comes in, offering a free consultation, helping to formulate a structured plan for her clients to solve a family mystery. “Some cases are resolved quickly, while others are ongoing and might take months. It’s my job to listen. What is it they need? As a team, my client and I figure out what will bring closure. I am there for them every step of the way.” At the moment, Tobi is working on two separate DNA cases, both with adoptees. One will be solved quickly, while the other is “One of the most difficult to date.” Besides that, she teaches ALL (Academy Lifelong Learning) at Suny Empire. Tobi states she’s beginning to master Zoom classes with her students – a necessity we’re all dealing with due to the pandemic. “They’re all so smart and inquisitive,” she laughs a little. “If I’m trying to figure out how to sharescreen more than one thing, there’s always someone attending who can help me figure the technical stuff out.” I ask about her family. Tobi is married to a New York native, Michael, and the couple has a six-year-old daughter, Katie, and a 16-year-old son, named Shane. They all believe in her and what she’s trying to do with DNA Investigations. “When I left to come to meet you today, Shane called out – ‘good luck with your interview today!’ We chuckle over that – kids can be such champions. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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