How long have you been interested in the paranormal?

I've been interested in the paranormal since I was very young.

What started this interest?

I grew up in an old colonial house which seemed to have its haunts. We would hear voices, footsteps, pets acting strange, uneasy feelings; stuff like that. No one ever claimed to have seen an apparition in the house, though if my dog could talk, I bet she'd beg to differ.

How did you become involved with New England Paranormal?

I always had an interest in becoming a paranormal investigator. I researched the paranormal to the point I was confident I could handle a case on my own. I put together my primitive investigation kit, you know, notebook, compass, flashlight, cheap camera, my old video recorder and voice recorder... and went on my way "ah hunting". I picked up a couple of local cases and enjoyed my new found hobby. Though I didn't record or document any credible evidence, I still had fun. I felt it was time to get involved in a group to expand my paranormal horizons! I found NEPs site on the internet, and I was familiar with the founder Steve Gonsalves work. Knowing Steve's credentials I knew this was the group for me to join.

When you go on an investigation what do you expect? What don't you expect?

It's tough to say what I do expect on an investigation. All cases are very different from one another; very unique in their own ways. Whether it's the atmosphere of the place your investigating or the residents themselves. Really. The only thing you can expect is for you and your group to go in with an open mind and when you leave you've thoroughly documented all testimonials and recorded as much evidence as possible for review.

I don't expect to set my camera up and take a shot of a full blown apparition walking down a set of stairs before me! That would be nice, but lets face it. There are very few recorded genuine paranormal pictures. I'm not a big fan of orbs since the digital camera era. Megapixels play a lot of games on the modern day investigator. Most paranormal sites have picture pages loaded with orbs taken digitally. I also don't expect to solve a case on the 1st visit to the house unless you simply go in and debunk the clients paranormal claim.

If someone wants to get involved with Paranormal Research/Investigations, what would you suggest to them?

Research. Research. Research. Buy books or go to the library and borrow them. Tony Cornell and Troy Taylor are a few of my favorite authors. There's also a whole bunch of info on the internet to digest, although from site to site opinions differ. If this is a field you'd like to get involved in before you can offer a client or a group member an opinion you must first form one. The only way to form an educated opinion is thru research and plenty of it. Be a skeptic - Be patient - Have FUN!! Happy Hunting!