Meet The Team
Data. Psychology. Forensics.
Our team, the Midnight Order operates as a branch of the National Cold Case Initiative (NCCI). The team consists of dedicated professionals specializing in criminal and forensic psychology, case investigations, and legal advocacy. A key focus of our work is fostering a strong research and development program while mentoring the next generation of scholars.
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To achieve this, we integrate volunteer research analysts into our initiatives through the Society of Umbra Scientia ("The Society"). Members of the Society contribute to our databases, including the Missing/Murdered Database (MMD) and the Serial Homicide Database (SHD), gaining hands-on experience in legal research and investigative methodologies. They are trained to access legal documents, navigate Access to Information and Freedom of Information Requests, and locate court records. Additionally, they develop research questions, conduct independent studies, and learn the intricacies of academic publication.
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Through this initiative, we are committed to cultivating and inspiring future lawyers, victim advocates, psychologists, doctors, police officers, and other professionals dedicated to justice and public service.
The Midnight Order
Dr. Sasha Reid, PhD, JD
Developmental Psychologist, Lawyer, & Director of the National Cold Case Initiative (NCCI)
From a young age, Dr. Sasha Reid was fascinated by the darker aspects of nature, seeking out "monsters" from fairy tales. This interest grew into a dedication to studying the minds and crimes of real-life "monsters." As a Developmental Psychologist with a PhD from the University of Toronto and a JD from the University of Calgary, Dr. Reid focuses on serial killers and unsolved missing and murdered persons cases in Canada. Her work with inmates has deepened her understanding of serial violence. Dr. Reid has mapped serial offenders' developmental trajectories, created Canada’s most comprehensive database of unsolved cases, and advocated for women and girls.
Emma Gaunt
Social Worker
Emma first met Dr. Reid as a student in one of her classes at the University of Calgary. Emma has always been passionate about justice and advocacy, leading her to complete her Bachelor of Social Work. As a long-standing member of the Midnight Order, Emma has been contributing to both the Serial Homicide and Missing and Murdered databases since 2019. Recently, Emma began working as an Apprentice Funeral Director, carrying with her the belief that everyone deserves dignity – in life and after death. Emma is currently overseeing the Serial Homicide Database and mentoring up-and-coming scholars connected to the Midnight Order (The Society).
Ayah Ellithy
Counselling Psychologist, Researcher, and PhD Candidate
As a wee child, Ayah was nose deep in the pages of Agatha Christie novels, Nancy Drew books, and James Patterson stories. Her mother helped her collect over 50 Nancy Drew books, which were sold and tearfully given away at the age of 17, when the family moved to Canada. Ayah’s curiosity about all that is morbid, dark, and taboo naturally pushed her to psychology during her undergraduate journey. Growing up, Ayah was always regarded as an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. The combination of soft therapeutic skills and the unbounded curiosity about the human mind were all that she needed as she embarked on her psychological career. At this time, Ayah has completed a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto and is currently completing her Doctor of Education in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. Ayah is a registered psychotherapist who works with Corrections Canada and the Ministry of Solicitor General to provide psychological treatment to individuals who were incarcerated and are currently on probation or parole.
Florence Tang
Researcher and Crime Analyst
Florence Tang is a PhD criminology student at Ontario Tech University and is a researcher and crime analyst for the Midnight Order. She was first recruited in 2018 by Dr. Reid as a volunteer research assistant for the serial homicide database (SHD) and the missing and murdered database (MMD). She received her MA in Criminology from Wilfrid Laurier University and her Honours BA degree in Psychology and Linguistics from the University of Toronto. She researches serial homicide offenders at the intersection of psychology, criminology, and linguistics. Her work has explored the subjective experiences of health care serial killers in the context of neutralization theory and has identified the disproportionality in data availability for missing and murdered female victims based on race. Florence is skilled in qualitative, quantitative, evidence synthesis, and multimethod research methodologies and is keen on producing research that reduces prevalent stereotypes about atypical violence.
The Society
Erin McMillan
Research Analyst
Erin began working with Dr. Reid in 2022 as a volunteer research analyst for the Serial Homicide Database (SHD) and the Missing and Murdered Database (MMD). Erin plays a vital role on both databases and she is responsible for ensuring the inclusion of lost and forgotten cases of murdered and missing 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in the MMD. She is a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at the University of Calgary and is passionate about advocating for missing and murdered individuals and their families.
Morgan Copp
Research Analyst
Morgan holds a degree in Sociology, with a specialization in Criminology from MacEwan University. With a keen interest in understanding the data behind Canada's missing and murdered population, Morgan is dedicated to advocating for justice and raising awareness about these issues. By utilizing research and analysis within the database, Morgan strives to uncover insights that inform policies and support affected communities. Outside of her research, Morgan enjoys hiking, skiing, and volunteering.
Faye Arellano
Research Analyst
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Faye recently graduated with a BSc in Psychology (Honours) from the University of Calgary. In 2021, she discovered Dr. Reid’s work through a university newsletter seeking a forensic research data analyst. Since then, Faye has been actively contributing to research involving the Serial Homicide and Missing and Murdered databases. With a keen interest in psychopathology and forensic psychology, Faye aims to pursue graduate studies to further her contributions to justice and victim advocacy.
Fatima Yasin
Research Analyst
Fatima is a Psychology undergraduate student at the University of Calgary. Her interest in psychology, sociology, and victim advocacy led to her working Dr. Reid’s databases. With a passion for mental health awareness and community health, she plans on furthering her studies in the field of psychology. Outside of academia, Fatima loves bouldering, fashion, and travelling with her loved ones.
Mahmood Ahmed
Research Analyst
Mahmood is working towards a degree in science with a focus in microbiology at the
University of Calgary. Although he has a science background he has always maintained an
interest in Psychology and understanding the complexities of the human mind. While taking a
Psychology course taught by Dr Sasha Reid, he developed a curiosity of how the minds of serial
killers and psychopaths function. He was recruited by Dr Reid in 2023 as a Research Analyst for
the serial homicide database (SHD) and the missing and murdered database (MMD).
Mahmood’s work involves collecting information on cases that are added to the database. Since
joining The Society, Mahmood has developed a passion for the trends seen in the
developmental backgrounds of serial killers. His work has greatly influenced the career path he
aspires to take in the future
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