Who are we?
We are a small team of paranormal enthusiasts who investigate the paranormal by applying logic, science as well as interviewing to collect case study information. We believe that the study of ghosts should start with those who are in need of help and not to merely sit in a dark house and expect a ghost to show up. In other words; we feel studying ghosts starts with the living and not the ghosts themselves.
We work with the client to investigate what is happening with them and the environment and not focus on the ghost in its entirety. Our focus is not with fancy gadgetry, but working with the client to ease what is happening while hopefully collecting information and data along the way.
Meet the folks who make this possible. We look forward to meeting you!
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Brian D. Parsons -Director
Contact Brian
Roles:
The Director. He's the one that will respond to your e-mail and will help you through your situation as best he can. He formed the group in late 1996 and has been involved in the field ever since.
Goals:
"My main goal is to help educate the public one person (or family) at a time. I want to educate them on what is happening to them, point out a logical reason for their experience or guide them through if it is a paranormal one. I want them to understand the basics and to not fear what is happening. Next, I want to help bring the splintered amateur groups together so we may share data and critique each other's work so that we may further ourselves and our field by working with and challenging each other. I want groups to understand that greed and fame will not help this field be taken seriously by the press and public and will hinder us from advancing as a legitimate science."
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
"I actually came into this field in an attempt to disprove a local urban legend. Once I started doing research on the legend and the area of ghosts I was hooked. Eventually, reading wasn't enough and I wanted to gain some experience as well as find out for myself if what I was reading was true.
I have tried to leave this field for a variety of reasons over the years, but I have always come back because of the people out there that need assistance through these experiences. I am also concerned about the lack of knowledge of fellow groups who investigate and am determined to help re-educate them away from the misinformation funnel known as the internet as well as the entertainment approach that is learned from television."
Brian released his first book, "Handbook for the Amateur Paranormal Investigator or Ghost Hunter: How to Become a Successful Paranormal Group" early in 2008. If you're a new group or aspire to be a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator this is a must-have book. This book tells it like it is straight from the trenches. He also released a companion book a few months later, "Betty's Ghost: A Guide to Paranormal Investigation" that furthers the investigation aspect as the reader takes an over-the-shoulder look at how he approaches cases. In 2010, Brian released his third book as a follow-up to the first Handbook with "Handbook for the Amateur Paranormal Investigator II: The Art and Science of Paranormal Investigation". This book is geared toward those who know the basics beyond what is portrayed on television and the internet and this next chapter takes a step forward into the world of client centered paranormal investigations. Learn the art of the interview including basic body language that can help in interviews as well as everyday situations. Learn advanced interview techniques that are simple to use that will help your client remember the most detail and provide you with an accurate picture of your upcoming investigation of the location. Evidence review, and other topics that are rarely mentioned with investigations, are discussed tool by tool. Learn the reality behind the tools and methods used in the field of paranormal investigation that goes against the popular ways of doing things.
Brian is also trained under ParaNexus and is the Regional Director for the state of Ohio and serves on the Board of Directors. He appeared in August, 2009 (will also be there in 2010), at the Ohio Paranormal Convention in Dayton, Ohio, and at the Northeast Ohio Paranormal Convention in October, 2009. Brian is also helping to bring more education for those interested in this field in the spring of 2010 (watch GhostHelp.Net site for more details).
Carly - Lead Investigator
Contact Carly
Roles:
As lead investigator she takes charge of the scene, working closely with Brian, to ensure the investigation goes smoothy and that all investigative practices from interviews to on-site are documented. Her long background in the paranormal as well as her current educational pursuit of Criminal Justice ensures that the scene is under control.
Goals:
"My goal as an investigator is to help people understand what the paranormal is all about. I want to also refine the investigation methods to help people understand the how and why to the subject. I also want to be able to test all the possible theories behind the paranormal to make sure that's what we are dealing with, the paranormal or something that's easily explained. I also want to help make people understand why its happening."
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
"When I was a small child I started having my own paranormal experiences. I have never been scared of this, I always embraced this, wanting to learn more I decided to study and go out on my own to help people. I recently started working with Brian and the OPIN group and have never been happier with a group of compassionate individuals. I want to help people learn not to be scared of the paranormal, but help them to understand."
"I also want to work with Mr Parsons and write a book about the investigation techniques of the paranormal field."
Bob- Equipment Manager/Investigator
Contact Bob
Roles:
Bob brings a 20 plus year career from the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and QC inspector as well as a background as a Private Investigator to the group. He has six years technical operations with all types of paranormal equipment and has helped O.P.I.N. be at the cutting edge with paranormal investigation equipment.
Goals:
"What I'm looking to accomplish is to learn all I can and to teach and help others with their experiences as well to help them understand what is happening."
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
"I have always had paranormal experiences ever since I was a little Boy. I have always tried to figure out what is going on with these experiences. I decided to learn more about them and educate myself about them so that I can better explain paranormal experiences to others. Helping them to cope with what ever they are experiencing."
Erica - Psychic/Sensitive
Roles:
Erica is a Medium and Psychic who has the ability to see and sense those who live in the spirit world. Erica has spent years at a Spiritualist Seminary College learning to develop her skills as a Medium as well as earning a Doctorate degree in Theology.
Goals:
"My goal as a Paranormal Investigator is to help all of those involved, both the living and those who are in spirit, to understand what is happening and why, and to try to solve the situation with kindness, patience and understanding. I am able to help to determine whether or not the situation is paranormal, and if it is, why is it happening. I want to help people to understand that the spirits who are still here are usually just people like me and you, who deserve respect and kindness, and not to be feared. I am also able to help those individuals who have yet to move on, to express their needs and possibly continue on their path. The members of O.P.I.N. are all highly educated in their chosen fields, as well as genuinely kind individuals, who want to help the public to understand the truth of the paranormal and I am excited to be a part of this group."
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
" I have always been a Medium and Psychic who has seen spirits my entire life. I believe that this is a gift that should be used to help others understand their lives and ease possible fears of the paranormal."
Visit Erica's dream interpretation website: Clover Dreams
Nicholas- Tech Assistant/Investigator
Roles:
Nick brings a solid basic understanding of the foundation of paranormal investigation as well as the many theories behind the approaches to it. Nick is hungry for new knowledge and has recently been assigned to be our Tech Assistant.
Goals:
My main goal in paranormal investigation is to help people understand what they are encountering, while giving them peace of mind by educating and guiding them through the process. I want to gain as much knowledge as possible on every aspect in the paranormal field, that way I will be able to educate people on what knowledge I already have, and any other knowledge that I will gain.
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
I have been interested in the paranormal ever since I was a young child. When I was in the 4th grade, my aunt passed away. Her calling hours were Friday in the same church that my parents played a volleyball tournament the Sunday after. That Sunday after the calling hours, I was running around playing around the church, I looked into the door of the church and I saw an apparition of my aunt standing by the door. I still remember to this day the feeling that I had as a young child in this encounter and I want to help people through same situations. I want to educate and help them understand what they are experiencing.
Brandon- Investigator/Counselor
Roles:
Brandon recently returned to the States after spending over a year studying at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland where he recieved an Msc in Psychological Research Methods. He studied Parapsychology within the Koestler Parapsychology Unit based at the University of Edinburgh. He is a licensed counselor in the state of Ohio.
Goals:
Bio information coming soon.
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
Bio information coming soon.
Andy - Investigator
Roles:
Andy brings a knowledgeable background of paranormal investigation into O.P.I.N.
Goals:
Bio information coming soon.
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
Bio information coming soon.
Michelle
Roles:
Michelle brings a background of knowledge of paranormal investigation and has worked with other groups in the past.
Goals:
Bio information coming soon.
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
Bio information coming soon.
Coming Soon
Roles:
New investigators coming soon.
Goals:
Bio information coming soon.
What brings you to paranormal investigation?
Bio information coming soon.
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