Vancouver Paranormal Society - Lower Mainland Investigations

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HOME BLOG ABOUT US INVESTIGATIONS CLIENT TESTIMONIALS MEMBERSHIP CONTACT US Vancouver Paranormal Society, EST. 1993 Serving the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada.	MEET THE VPS TEAM Kelly "Claire" Berge President; Director Lead investigator Background I am an Art Facilitator in a non profit organization supporting adults with developmental disabilities. Why You Joined VPS? It all started in the summer of '72 when all the neighborhood kids went exploring the nearby “Sugar Shacks” in North Burnaby, BC. That evening I experienced my first and frightening apparition in my bedroom. I have had many experiences since however unrelated. This led me to question what was happening concurrently in a possible different realm, my curiosity forever feverishly piqued to answer the question… what happens to us when we die? Favourite Haunted Place? Honestly I cannot narrow this down to one location as each location comes with its own paranormal nuances. Many locations I cannot share as VPS is bound by confidentiality. One specific location in Surrey, BC still holds my interest as a paranormal hotspot where I experienced physical, audio and visual personal experiences that are forever etched in my memory. What You Bring to the Team I bring a high regard for statesmanship (team player), respect for science and skepticism as well as open-mindedness for the spiritual plausibilities and a passion that keeps my drive alive to pursue answers for the clients that seek the support of VPS. Andi George Co-Vice President; Director Lead Investigator Background Born in Prince George, lived in Vancouver for over 30 years. Owner of Turtle Tots Family Daycare. Why I Joined VPS? I have always believed and been curious about the paranormal going back to when I was a child. I wanted the opportunity to explore it more surrounded by like-minded people. Favourite Haunted Place? Oh pretty much anywhere with great history to it. And places you're able to spend the night! What You Bring to the Team Passion, respect, level-headed and being a team player. Leah McLean Co-Vice President; Director Lead Investigator Background Born and raised in Alberta, moved to B.C. at age 18 and never looked back! I have built an amazing life consisting of two amazing children and two of the most adorable grandchildren anyone could ever ask for. I have been on the team for just over a year at this point however I have known all my life that I was meant for this! I have “investigated” the paranormal every chance I got growing up and even took my youngest to Area 51 a couple of years back so we could do our own investigation out there. I am constantly trying to find the answers to many questions in life; are their spirits that reside with us, coexisting in a parallel separate dimension? Is there a “creator?” Are we alone in the universe? Why You Joined VPS? I joined the team to be part of a community of like minded people and to be able to explore these things together is such an amazing feeling. Favourite Haunted Place? Although I have yet to go, my favourite haunted place would have to be Kildare Castle in Ireland and I will it make it there one day!! What You Bring to the Team? I have 40 years of life experiences that have led me to where I am in life today and I feel that my experiences coupled with my back ground in social services and helping those in the community is a huge asset to any team. My main goal is to provide help and answers or understanding to those who need it. Mike O'Dell Director Lead Investigator Background Born and raised in Mississauga, Ont. Left high school at the ripe old age of 16, joined the Navy at 20. Served for 15 years, participated in the first Gulf war in 1991, then the first contingent sent to Cambodia to disarm the Khmer Rouge in 1992. Left the Navy in 1996 and became a federal Corrections officer. Spent 15 years as a hostage negotiator eventually becoming team leader and senior instructor. I keep busy with travelling (lots), golf and riding my Harley Davidson and investigating with the VPS when we can. Have 4 grandkids now and loving life. Why I joined? Have always had an interest in the unexplained, anything I can't apply logic to, this fits that bill. Favourite Haunted Place? So far it has to be the Pink Palace, the old Pacific Inn in South Surrey, very active. What you bring to the team? I am a sceptic by nature so will always look to find the logic in something that is happening first but have a willingness to learn and be open minded enough to accept things I can't explain. Also my calm demeanor. I also do not take myself too seriously and have quite a repertoire of lame dad jokes. Sonya Tokaryk Director Lead Investigator Background I'm in Finance and Administration, with a strong solid background in Customer Service. I listen to people talk all day long, and have heard a lot of stories throughout these years. Why You Joined VPS? I joined VPS to satisfy a strong craving that's been getting more and more powerful over the past few years. I love everything spooky/weird/paranormal/otherworldly/all-of-the-above since I was a little kid watching shows like the X Files, and Unsolved Mysteries, with my dad. King, Jackson, Poe, Shelley, Stoker, and a dozen others lined my shelves at a ridiculously early age. It's always been a part of me, and when the opportunity came up to actually join a team of people who love creepy things as much as I do, and do investigations? I was all in. Favourite Haunted Place? One day, I would just love to visit Waverly Hills Sanatorium, or travel back in time a few years to Danvers State Hospital. Maybe wander through some good ancient English castles. Island of the Dolls. The Paris, Odessa, and Vatican Catacombs. Hoia Baciu Forest, and Bran Castle. Locations with amazing history to them. My creepy-places bucket list is a bit long. What You Bring to the Team? I'd say enthusiastic open-minded skepticism. I do have a tendency to actually pick things apart and look for rationality. Roni Magnusson Director Lead Investigator Background I work in the legal services field, and have a background in counselling. Prior to dedicating my career to legal services, I enjoyed having a private counselling practice. I am passionate about helping others. Why You Joined VPS? I joined VPS because it’s a research and evidence based team. I am proud of how professional VPS is with every client, and how it approaches every investigation. This is a team of dedicated investigators who pour their passion for the paranormal in to all they do. Favourite Haunted Place? I have some very favorite places that the team has investigated, but due to confidentiality I am unable to share the locations. I can say though, that I loved visiting Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, BC. Although I personally didn’t experience any paranormal happenings as a visitor, I hope to one day. What You Bring to the Team? I bring all of my passion. My hope is that my passion, enthusiasm, and love for the paranormal brings clients and locations the best of an investigator. I am truly curious about the paranormal, and I am excited how we may potentially be connecting with those in spirit energy (haunting or not), and facilitating them to come forward. Kerri *Rookie Investigator* Background I've been a Nursing Unit Assistant in Fraser Health for over ten years now. I grew up in Victoria BC, and moved to the Fraser Valley in 2008. The Paranormal has been a part of my everyday life since seeing my first spirit at 2. My Mother has the same gifts as me, and my Dad had a big love of the unknown both ghosts and aliens! Why You Joined VPS? I love everything paranormal, but I understand that not everything is true paranormal activity and I want to be able to give people answers to what they're experiencing on a scientific level. Some places are just old and make noises, some places have spirits and my hope is to be able to give a sense of what it is for the client. Favourite Haunted Place? Hatley Castle in Victoria BC is a place I have visited often and have had many personal experiences there as well as The Empress Hotel. I'm excited to find some new favorites with my team. What You Bring to the Team? I bring my personal experiences, love and respect for the paranormal. My hope is to be able to leave the client with answers whether it is paranormal or not. I love being a part of a team and have a stubborn NEED to find answers. I also bring my sense of humor everywhere I go! Hobbies and Interests When I'm not working or investigating you can find me crafting with my cricut, playing with my two dogs, baking, working out or practicing my photography. Matt Black *Rookie Investigator* Background I grew up in Vancouver, and began working in information analysis in my twenties. My career has taken me to many interesting places, and in addition to Canada I have lived in England, Pakistan, the Middle East, and the Netherlands. I have always had an interest in the paranormal, but it wasn't until 2002 that I had my first direct encounter with the paranormal when I and my young family moved into an old farmhouse in Surrey. This experience really solidified my interest in all things unexplained and paranormal. Why You Joined VPS? After getting back from Europe in 2020 the pace of my life slowed down a bit, and I thought it was time to get involved in a local paranormal group. I'd wanted to do this for many years, but had just been too busy. I looked online for local groups and was immediately impressed by the VPS gang, their mission, and their approach to investigations. I reached out to the team and was soon meeting up with them for an interview. Favourite Haunted Place? That's a tough one, every place I travel to my wife and I look for the local haunts and ghost tours. I would have to say that the Paris catacombs were probably my favourite haunt, not only because of the history of Paris and Europe at that time (another interest of mine) but because the place was super creepy. What You Bring to the Team? A healthy skepticism, an inquisitive mind, and a belief in the value of a scientific approach. While I believe in the paranormal, I'm inclined to try to find some earthly explanation for things before concluding that it is paranormal. I'm not particularly sensitive to the paranormal as other members of the team are, but that hasn't damped my curiosity about things. Hobbies and Interests When I'm not working I like to stay busy with woodworking, wood carving, and trading stocks and foreign currencies. Although I can rarely get to it, I also like placer gold mining and plan to stake a claim in the interior one day. If there are any panners out there that would like to get a claim together let me know!
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CONTACT US

Vancouver Paranormal Society, EST. 1993

Serving the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada.

MEET THE VPS TEAM

Kelly "Claire" Berge

President; Director

Lead investigator

Background
I am an Art Facilitator in a non profit organization supporting adults with developmental disabilities.

Why You Joined VPS?
It all started in the summer of '72 when all the neighborhood kids went exploring the nearby “Sugar Shacks” in North Burnaby, BC. That evening I experienced my first and frightening apparition in my bedroom. I have had many experiences since however unrelated. This led me to question what was happening concurrently in a possible different realm, my curiosity forever feverishly piqued to answer the question… what happens to us when we die?

Favourite Haunted Place?
Honestly I cannot narrow this down to one location as each location comes with its own paranormal nuances. Many locations I cannot share as VPS is bound by confidentiality. One specific location in Surrey, BC still holds my interest as a paranormal hotspot where I experienced physical, audio and visual personal experiences that are forever etched in my memory.

What You Bring to the Team
I bring a high regard for statesmanship (team player), respect for science and skepticism as well as open-mindedness for the spiritual plausibilities and a passion that keeps my drive alive to pursue answers for the clients that seek the support of VPS.

Andi George
Co-Vice President; Director
Lead Investigator

Background
Born in Prince George, lived in Vancouver for over 30 years. Owner of Turtle Tots Family Daycare.

Why I Joined VPS?
I have always believed and been curious about the paranormal going back to when I was a child. I wanted the opportunity to explore it more surrounded by like-minded people.

Favourite Haunted Place?
Oh pretty much anywhere with great history to it. And places you're able to spend the night!

What You Bring to the Team
Passion, respect, level-headed and being a team player.

Leah McLean
Co-Vice President; Director
Lead Investigator

Background
Born and raised in Alberta, moved to B.C. at age 18 and never looked back! I have built an amazing life consisting of two amazing children and two of the most adorable grandchildren anyone could ever ask for.

I have been on the team for just over a year at this point however I have known all my life that I was meant for this! I have “investigated” the paranormal every chance I got growing up and even took my youngest to Area 51 a couple of years back so we could do our own investigation out there. I am constantly trying to find the answers to many questions in life; are their spirits that reside with us, coexisting in a parallel separate dimension? Is there a “creator?” Are we alone in the universe?

Why You Joined VPS?
I joined the team to be part of a community of like minded people and to be able to explore these things together is such an amazing feeling.

Favourite Haunted Place?
Although I have yet to go, my favourite haunted place would have to be Kildare Castle in Ireland and I will it make it there one day!!

What You Bring to the Team?
I have 40 years of life experiences that have led me to where I am in life today and I feel that my experiences coupled with my back ground in social services and helping those in the community is a huge asset to any team. My main goal is to provide help and answers or understanding to those who need it.

Mike O'Dell
Director
Lead Investigator

Background
Born and raised in Mississauga, Ont. Left high school at the ripe old age of 16, joined the Navy at 20. Served for 15 years, participated in the first Gulf war in 1991, then the first contingent sent to Cambodia to disarm the Khmer Rouge in 1992. Left the Navy in 1996 and became a federal Corrections officer. Spent 15 years as a hostage negotiator eventually becoming team leader and senior instructor. I keep busy with travelling (lots), golf and riding my Harley Davidson and investigating with the VPS when we can. Have 4 grandkids now and loving life.

Why I joined?
Have always had an interest in the unexplained, anything I can't apply logic to, this fits that bill.

Favourite Haunted Place?
So far it has to be the Pink Palace, the old Pacific Inn in South Surrey, very active.

What you bring to the team?
I am a sceptic by nature so will always look to find the logic in something that is happening first but have a willingness to learn and be open minded enough to accept things I can't explain. Also my calm demeanor. I also do not take myself too seriously and have quite a repertoire of lame dad jokes.

Sonya Tokaryk
Director
Lead Investigator

Background
I'm in Finance and Administration, with a strong solid background in Customer Service. I listen to people talk all day long, and have heard a lot of stories throughout these years.

Why You Joined VPS?
I joined VPS to satisfy a strong craving that's been getting more and more powerful over the past few years. I love everything spooky/weird/paranormal/otherworldly/all-of-the-above since I was a little kid watching shows like the X Files, and Unsolved Mysteries, with my dad. King, Jackson, Poe, Shelley, Stoker, and a dozen others lined my shelves at a ridiculously early age. It's always been a part of me, and when the opportunity came up to actually join a team of people who love creepy things as much as I do, and do investigations? I was all in.

Favourite Haunted Place?
One day, I would just love to visit Waverly Hills Sanatorium, or travel back in time a few years to Danvers State Hospital. Maybe wander through some good ancient English castles. Island of the Dolls. The Paris, Odessa, and Vatican Catacombs. Hoia Baciu Forest, and Bran Castle. Locations with amazing history to them. My creepy-places bucket list is a bit long.

What You Bring to the Team?
I'd say enthusiastic open-minded skepticism. I do have a tendency to actually pick things apart and look for rationality.

Roni Magnusson
Director
Lead Investigator

Background
I work in the legal services field, and have a background in counselling. Prior to dedicating my career to legal services, I enjoyed having a private counselling practice. I am passionate about helping others.

Why You Joined VPS?
I joined VPS because it’s a research and evidence based team. I am proud of how professional VPS is with every client, and how it approaches every investigation. This is a team of dedicated investigators who pour their passion for the paranormal in to all they do.

Favourite Haunted Place?
I have some very favorite places that the team has investigated, but due to confidentiality I am unable to share the locations. I can say though, that I loved visiting Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, BC. Although I personally didn’t experience any paranormal happenings as a visitor, I hope to one day.

What You Bring to the Team?
I bring all of my passion. My hope is that my passion, enthusiasm, and love for the paranormal brings clients and locations the best of an investigator. I am truly curious about the paranormal, and I am excited how we may potentially be connecting with those in spirit energy (haunting or not), and facilitating them to come forward.

Kerri
Rookie Investigator

Background
I've been a Nursing Unit Assistant in Fraser Health for over ten years now. I grew up in Victoria BC, and moved to the Fraser Valley in 2008. The Paranormal has been a part of my everyday life since seeing my first spirit at 2. My Mother has the same gifts as me, and my Dad had a big love of the unknown both ghosts and aliens!

Why You Joined VPS?
I love everything paranormal, but I understand that not everything is true paranormal activity and I want to be able to give people answers to what they're experiencing on a scientific level. Some places are just old and make noises, some places have spirits and my hope is to be able to give a sense of what it is for the client.

Favourite Haunted Place?
Hatley Castle in Victoria BC is a place I have visited often and have had many personal experiences there as well as The Empress Hotel. I'm excited to find some new favorites with my team.

What You Bring to the Team?
I bring my personal experiences, love and respect for the paranormal. My hope is to be able to leave the client with answers whether it is paranormal or not. I love being a part of a team and have a stubborn NEED to find answers. I also bring my sense of humor everywhere I go!

Hobbies and Interests
When I'm not working or investigating you can find me crafting with my cricut, playing with my two dogs, baking, working out or practicing my photography.

Matt Black
Rookie Investigator

Background
I grew up in Vancouver, and began working in information analysis in my twenties. My career has taken me to many interesting places, and in addition to Canada I have lived in England, Pakistan, the Middle East, and the Netherlands. I have always had an interest in the paranormal, but it wasn't until 2002 that I had my first direct encounter with the paranormal when I and my young family moved into an old farmhouse in Surrey. This experience really solidified my interest in all things unexplained and paranormal.

Why You Joined VPS?
After getting back from Europe in 2020 the pace of my life slowed down a bit, and I thought it was time to get involved in a local paranormal group. I'd wanted to do this for many years, but had just been too busy. I looked online for local groups and was immediately impressed by the VPS gang, their mission, and their approach to investigations. I reached out to the team and was soon meeting up with them for an interview.

Favourite Haunted Place?
That's a tough one, every place I travel to my wife and I look for the local haunts and ghost tours. I would have to say that the Paris catacombs were probably my favourite haunt, not only because of the history of Paris and Europe at that time (another interest of mine) but because the place was super creepy.

What You Bring to the Team?
A healthy skepticism, an inquisitive mind, and a belief in the value of a scientific approach. While I believe in the paranormal, I'm inclined to try to find some earthly explanation for things before concluding that it is paranormal. I'm not particularly sensitive to the paranormal as other members of the team are, but that hasn't damped my curiosity about things.

Hobbies and Interests
When I'm not working I like to stay busy with woodworking, wood carving, and trading stocks and foreign currencies. Although I can rarely get to it, I also like placer gold mining and plan to stake a claim in the interior one day. If there are any panners out there that would like to get a claim together let me know!