Vancouver Paranormal Society - Lower Mainland Investigations


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 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. Leah McLean Co-Vice President; Director 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 Investigator & Team Tech 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. Roni Magnusson Director 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 *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! Nicole *Investigator* Background Working in the automotive world by day and paranormal investigating by night, there's never a dull moment. If you can't find me, I'm out on the lake in my kayak! Why You Joined VPS? I've always loved the paranormal/occult. However, when spooky occurrences were happening in my own home, I was absolutely terrified. When VPS came to investigate, I knew immediately that I was in good hands. After I was able to review the evidence they gathered, my fear turned into intense fascination. Spirits were people just like us afterall! I am forever grateful to VPS for stepping in to help me out, and that's what I want to be able to do for others who are in similar situations. I am so lucky to be part of such a wonderful team of kind-hearted souls, each with our own unique strengths and insights. Favourite Haunted Place? My own home! It's been a blast slowly uncovering the history piece by piece and I'm still getting surprises. I've had some incredible experiences and I consider myself very lucky. Looking for a spooky night away? Sasquatch Inn is the place to be! What You Bring to the Team? Having been a former client, I understand what it's like to be one. It can be scary, but it doesn't have to be! Giving respect to receive respect, and setting boundaries is key to interacting with the spirit world. I think that spirits must have some insight into the afterlife and what it's like, and those are the things I'm trying to find out if I can! Gary *Investigator* Background Born in Prince George, grew up in McBride. I've always been fascinated by the supernatural. When I'm not exploring haunted locations, I enjoy traveling! Discovering new foods and finding meaning in odd places most folks overlook. I'm a member of the Ghostbusters of British Columbia. A cosplay and charity group dedicated to raising donations for local causes. Why You Joined VPS? I never pictured myself as the kind of person who would go chasing shadows in the dark. Though I've always had an interest in the supernatural, paranormal investigation wasn't some lifelong calling or childhood obsession. It just sort of found me. I got invited along as a guest on a few investigation, and something about those nights stuck with me. What started as curiosity turned into a pull toward the unknown. Once you've had a taste of that mystery, it's hard to go back to pretending the world is simple and ordinary. Favourite Haunted Place? Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii. Most people know it as a backdrop for blockbuster movies. But when the crowd fades and the sun dips behind the cliffs, something else lingers there. Shadow figures moving in the distance, a ghostly boy seen often by tourists, objects move or knocked over by themselves. It's beautiful, eerie, and impossible to forget. The kind of place that reminds you the world still holds secrets worth chasing. What You Bring to the Team? I bring an open mind during investigations. My curiosity drives me to look deeper, not just for evidence, but for understanding the stories behind each location.
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Vancouver Paranormal Society, EST. 1993

Serving the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada.

MEET THE VPS TEAM

Kelly "Claire" Berge

President; Director

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.

Leah McLean
Co-Vice President; Director
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
Investigator & Team Tech

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.

Roni Magnusson
Director
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
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!

Nicole
Investigator

Background
Working in the automotive world by day and paranormal investigating by night, there's never a dull moment. If you can't find me, I'm out on the lake in my kayak!

Why You Joined VPS?
I've always loved the paranormal/occult. However, when spooky occurrences were happening in my own home, I was absolutely terrified. When VPS came to investigate, I knew immediately that I was in good hands. After I was able to review the evidence they gathered, my fear turned into intense fascination. Spirits were people just like us afterall! I am forever grateful to VPS for stepping in to help me out, and that's what I want to be able to do for others who are in similar situations. I am so lucky to be part of such a wonderful team of kind-hearted souls, each with our own unique strengths and insights.

Favourite Haunted Place?
My own home! It's been a blast slowly uncovering the history piece by piece and I'm still getting surprises. I've had some incredible experiences and I consider myself very lucky. Looking for a spooky night away? Sasquatch Inn is the place to be!

What You Bring to the Team?
Having been a former client, I understand what it's like to be one. It can be scary, but it doesn't have to be! Giving respect to receive respect, and setting boundaries is key to interacting with the spirit world. I think that spirits must have some insight into the afterlife and what it's like, and those are the things I'm trying to find out if I can!

Gary
Investigator

Background
Born in Prince George, grew up in McBride. I've always been fascinated by the supernatural. When I'm not exploring haunted locations, I enjoy traveling! Discovering new foods and finding meaning in odd places most folks overlook. I'm a member of the Ghostbusters of British Columbia. A cosplay and charity group dedicated to raising donations for local causes.

Why You Joined VPS?
I never pictured myself as the kind of person who would go chasing shadows in the dark. Though I've always had an interest in the supernatural, paranormal investigation wasn't some lifelong calling or childhood obsession. It just sort of found me. I got invited along as a guest on a few investigation, and something about those nights stuck with me. What started as curiosity turned into a pull toward the unknown. Once you've had a taste of that mystery, it's hard to go back to pretending the world is simple and ordinary.

Favourite Haunted Place?
Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii. Most people know it as a backdrop for blockbuster movies. But when the crowd fades and the sun dips behind the cliffs, something else lingers there. Shadow figures moving in the distance, a ghostly boy seen often by tourists, objects move or knocked over by themselves. It's beautiful, eerie, and impossible to forget. The kind of place that reminds you the world still holds secrets worth chasing.

What You Bring to the Team?
I bring an open mind during investigations. My curiosity drives me to look deeper, not just for evidence, but for understanding the stories behind each location.