Like many of the TIP investigators I have a life-long interest in the paranormal. I grew up reading every book I could find on ghosts, big foot, the Loch ness monster, the Bermuda triangle, etc. I thought my interests would always be satisfied through the pages of books until the show Ghosthunters came on.  Then I realized there were others out there like me that were interested in the paranormal and actually experiencing it.  I began a web search and found all kinds of groups and information on ghost hunting.  I went on my first overnight in Indianapolis at the Hannah Mansion and while not particularly fruitful I was hooked none the less.  While looking for more ghost hunting opportunities I came across other overnight excursions and ghost hunting groups.  I began to attend all the meetings I could and went on excursions when offered.  I had experiences on the excursions that hooked me even more.  Perhaps the best thing I was able to do was go to the Waverly Hills Sanitarium—perhaps the most haunted place in the country.  While Waverly was not very active that night the creepiness factor was still 10 out of 10.

As a child I would have dreams that would later come true, then in 1990 I had a near death experience, where I died for 6 minutes and 46 seconds minutes during childbirth  Ever since then I have been interested in the paranormal. I currently live in a home that has had paranormal activity ,due to 2 deaths that occurred in the home.  I have been actively investigating since 1999.

I study all aspects of the unknown, heavy in research and in solutions using religious/non religious remedies. We are a evidence driven group and I feel that science and spirituality can and do go hand in hand

Hospice Volunteer www.joliethospice.org

Shana is a paranormal investigator with at least 15 years of experience in the field. She enjoys the thrill of investigating haunted locations, researching historical landmarks and venues, and interacting and connecting with the spirits that inhabit them. She's also a writer and aspiring author, a witchy woman, and an Empath. She's a firm believer in showing spirits and locations respect, keeping their memory alive, and reaching out to them in a way that makes them comfortable to interact. Shana has been on My Ghost Story and several podcasts to share her experiences in the field

I have been investigating the paranormal with my mother, Lesley, for about 6 years and have had many experiences with the paranormal. As I was growing up, I met my late grandfather many times and knew details about him that were impossible to know for a two year old. I would play with him and tell my mother about what we did for the day. I love learning the history of the places we go to, as these are places I would never have known about if I’d never gone investigating. I love the scientific base we hold so dear in the group as we try to debunk the debunkable and communicate with the unthinkable! Happy Ghost Hunting!

Craig has ghost hunted for many years.  He volunteers at a local historical society that is haunted.  He particularly enjoys our public hunts at the Rialto Theater in Joliet.

From a young age I have always been fascinated with the concept of life after death and the

paranormal. I grew up reading ghost stories, watching ghost hunting and re-inactions of

people’s paranormal experiences, frequenting cemeteries, and being captivated by my own

family’s experiences with the paranormal. Joining a team of like-minded, equally curious,

and adventurous individuals seemed like the natural progression for me. The professionalism this group exudes attracted me, we have the same goal: seek to find the logical within the seemingly illogical. 

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Hey There!!  I have been a paranormal investigator for about 12 years now and was a Lead Investigator with another group prior to TIP.  My first experience was when I was a teenager living with my grandparents at our family farm that was built in the mid 1800’s.  While I was watching TV, I saw a door open on its own.  I did not think much of it at the time, so I went and closed it.  As soon as I sat back down, I was a bit more in tune with my surroundings and this time actually heard the door handle shake and the door opened for a second time.  My mom, aunts and uncles all had their own stories of experiences while they grew up there too.  As I got older and saw the barrage of “ghost hunting” shows that were all over the TV, I just knew there had to be more to it all.  I did a bunch of research and learned a lot about the theory’s and the “science” behind this very interesting field and the rest is history.

I have been ghost hunting since 2005 when my Dad and I would attend midwest hunts together trying to find our way into the scene. Since then I have ghost hunted in many interesting places and helped my Dad with his group whenever possible. I have hunted (and slept!) in abandoned elementary schools, serial killer's houses, sanatoriums, underground railroad stops and even a beached and collapsing riverboat. Ghost hunting to me is as much a history lesson as it is the search for the paranormal and I hope to keep learning and searching for years to come.

Unlike the rest of the members of TIP I have neither had a personal experience or a lifelong interest in the paranormal.  However, I married Paul who does have a lifelong interest in the paranormal and my interest has grown through him.  Over the last ten years I have watched countless paranormal shows and heard Paul discuss clubs and investigations.  I have also watched video evidence and listened to his EVPs when possible.  I encouraged him for the last few years to form his own club.  Unfortunately due to my severe hearing loss I really can’t participate in investigations.  Meaning, if the lights are off and I also can’t hear I’m pretty limited in what I could investigate.  However, I wanted to be involved in the club so I do web and technical support and help review evidence.  I’m excited to be a member of TIP.

In the past I would feel like the ‘weird one’ because I would sense things that others could not. I would see something over there or felt like something was bothering me. My dad and brother are the same where they would see things, feel things, know things or be shown things by someone unseen. I personally would have vivid dreams and felt they were too real to just be a random dream.  I’ve always wanted my gift to be useful to someone so I wanted to see if what I experienced and felt could be validated. That is why I joined The Illinois Paranormalists. I enjoy the suspense that I will see or feel something at each of the locations we visit. It also helps that I am surrounded by people who either have the same gift that I do or who do not judge me for being ‘weird’.

"Some of my earliest memories are of the paranormal, for as long as I can remember I have had experience with spirits. Spirits and strange feelings have always been a part of my life and lead me to continue to have experiences with the paranormal into my adult life. Outside of the paranormal I have pursued my life passion of helping animals and have worked in the animal care industry for over 20 years. I believe that the same sensitives that help me work with animals and calm them down, also help me be more open to any spirits that may be nearby. My first encounter was with a spirit that I believe was protecting me against a harmful entity in an old home that had a dark history, because of this first encounter I always try to find the history and the "why" behind what I am feeling and how I can help. I look forward to spending time with the team and sharing our expereince!"