All members must pass a criminal background check through Sterling Volunteers, a third party vendor, every three years.
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OUR 2024 COHORT
Nelson's first exposure to the paranormal came at a very young age in his childhood home and it forever changed how he viewed the world around him. It wasn't until 2007 that his avid interest saw him joining two other paranormal groups in an effort to seek answers. In 2016, Nelson co-founded The Ghost Guild.
Nelson works in healthcare information technology with a large academic medical center in Chapel Hill. He is originally from Montreal, Canada and speaks French as his first language. He moved to North Carolina in 1991. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his daughter, LEGO, cooking, and drone photography.
Nelson works in healthcare information technology with a large academic medical center in Chapel Hill. He is originally from Montreal, Canada and speaks French as his first language. He moved to North Carolina in 1991. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his daughter, LEGO, cooking, and drone photography.
Kara's interest in the paranormal started at the young age of three after a particularly lucid sleep paralysis episode. Her family was very deeply entrenched in Southern history, and she then spent most of her childhood traipsing around historic sites and homes, often experiencing the sensation that she was not alone. She’s enthusiastic about discovering and sharing the stories of historical places.
Professionally, Kara has spent nearly twenty years helping various arts and culture sector nonprofits reach their goals. She currently serves as Managing and Creative Director for a large nonprofit history museum located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Originally from South Carolina, Kara has lived in Georgia, Tennessee, Utah, and England (while she studied abroad). However, she’s been in North Carolina so long that it feels like her true home state— though she’d gladly relocate to Scotland tomorrow! Kara lives with her two sons and is also a novice photographer and poet.
Professionally, Kara has spent nearly twenty years helping various arts and culture sector nonprofits reach their goals. She currently serves as Managing and Creative Director for a large nonprofit history museum located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Originally from South Carolina, Kara has lived in Georgia, Tennessee, Utah, and England (while she studied abroad). However, she’s been in North Carolina so long that it feels like her true home state— though she’d gladly relocate to Scotland tomorrow! Kara lives with her two sons and is also a novice photographer and poet.
Lucas, a native of New England, spent their formative years in a house they describe as "definitely haunted." These early encounters sparked a lifelong quest for understanding the unexplained. After traversing California, Oregon, and even Amsterdam during adulthood, Lucas eventually settled in North Carolina in 2012, along with their partner.
Equipped with a Bachelor of Arts and certifications in Life and Meditation Coaching, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion training, Lucas dedicates their skills to guiding LGBTQIA+ individuals on journeys of self-discovery. By day, they navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, managing and coaching a team of creatives in Durham.
Beyond their professional and supernatural pursuits, Lucas finds solace in exploring the Triangle area's beautiful trails, immersing themselves in spooky podcasts and tarot card readings. Their passion for unraveling mysteries extends beyond the ethereal to empowering others to find their own awesomeness.
Equipped with a Bachelor of Arts and certifications in Life and Meditation Coaching, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion training, Lucas dedicates their skills to guiding LGBTQIA+ individuals on journeys of self-discovery. By day, they navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, managing and coaching a team of creatives in Durham.
Beyond their professional and supernatural pursuits, Lucas finds solace in exploring the Triangle area's beautiful trails, immersing themselves in spooky podcasts and tarot card readings. Their passion for unraveling mysteries extends beyond the ethereal to empowering others to find their own awesomeness.
Amber's curiosity about the paranormal stems from personal experiences and a desire to understand them scientifically. She has pondered the afterlife since childhood, wondering if one day she will have the answers she seeks. Her quest has led to her interest in paranormal-themed media, which eventually led her to The Ghost Guild.
With six years of experience in environmental education, Amber currently contributes to the environmental protection sector, actively involved in conserving natural resources. Additionally, her dedication extends to serving as Board President for a non-profit committed to aiding wildlife rehabilitators. Having resided in various parts of North Carolina, she holds a special affection for the mountains. Outside of work, Amber can be found immersed in nature, observing wildlife, or engaged in creative projects. Amber also serves as the North Carolina foster for a nationwide exotic reptile rescue organization.
With six years of experience in environmental education, Amber currently contributes to the environmental protection sector, actively involved in conserving natural resources. Additionally, her dedication extends to serving as Board President for a non-profit committed to aiding wildlife rehabilitators. Having resided in various parts of North Carolina, she holds a special affection for the mountains. Outside of work, Amber can be found immersed in nature, observing wildlife, or engaged in creative projects. Amber also serves as the North Carolina foster for a nationwide exotic reptile rescue organization.
Raised in a historic Southern home and having explored numerous sleepy towns in New England during her college years, Bix has always felt drawn to the paranormal. After a series of particularly strange experiences in a rural Connecticut cemetery, her interest in unraveling the intersection of history and the present deepened.
Bix harnesses her creative energy in dual realms—professionally as a Recruitment Manager in the nonprofit sector dedicated to empowering America's future entrepreneurs and leaders, and personally as an artist involved in illustrations, paintings, guitar playing, and film projects. When not at work or in the studio, you'll likely find her in an amusement park or catching the latest horror movie at the theater! Originally from Virginia, she is settling into her new home in North Carolina, embracing the opportunities unfolding in this next chapter of her journey.
Bix harnesses her creative energy in dual realms—professionally as a Recruitment Manager in the nonprofit sector dedicated to empowering America's future entrepreneurs and leaders, and personally as an artist involved in illustrations, paintings, guitar playing, and film projects. When not at work or in the studio, you'll likely find her in an amusement park or catching the latest horror movie at the theater! Originally from Virginia, she is settling into her new home in North Carolina, embracing the opportunities unfolding in this next chapter of her journey.
Sarah, a naturally inquisitive soul, harbors a fervent passion for unraveling mysteries and seamlessly blending history with the paranormal. Originally from the heart of Texas, raised in a charming town in Illinois, and proudly holding an alma mater status from the University of Wyoming, she has cultivated a natural knack for exploring new places and fearlessly embracing the unknown.
Her journey into the paranormal realm traces back to a childhood fascination with television shows centered around the mysterious and otherworldly. Now, she is excited to translate that lifelong interest into a tangible adventure with the Ghost Guild. What truly captivates Sarah is the prospect of intertwining the stories of the past into our contemporary understanding of diverse locations. The intersection of history and the paranormal provides her with a unique lens through which she can eloquently narrate the tales of bygone eras.
Currently calling North Carolina home, Sarah resides with her fiancé, two cats, and a beagle named Steve. When not fulfilling her passion for the unexplained, she serves as a Marketing Manager for one of the oldest and largest university presses in the world, contributing her expertise to a variety of academic science journals.
Her journey into the paranormal realm traces back to a childhood fascination with television shows centered around the mysterious and otherworldly. Now, she is excited to translate that lifelong interest into a tangible adventure with the Ghost Guild. What truly captivates Sarah is the prospect of intertwining the stories of the past into our contemporary understanding of diverse locations. The intersection of history and the paranormal provides her with a unique lens through which she can eloquently narrate the tales of bygone eras.
Currently calling North Carolina home, Sarah resides with her fiancé, two cats, and a beagle named Steve. When not fulfilling her passion for the unexplained, she serves as a Marketing Manager for one of the oldest and largest university presses in the world, contributing her expertise to a variety of academic science journals.
JaVon, a Midwest native now calling North Carolina home with his wife and two daughters, thrives on conversations that delve into the realms of history, culture, beliefs, and the unexplained. From an early age, he's been captivated by the mysterious and paranormal, continually questioning, "How can I ever know THE truth?"
By day, with over six years of experience in non-profit program management and event planning, JaVon plays a pivotal role in supporting over 25 social justice ministries at a parish in North Raleigh. His dedication extends to addressing critical issues such as poverty, affordable housing, food insecurity, and environmental care, embodying a deep-seated commitment to serve the most vulnerable.
In his personal time, JaVon finds solace in reading and/or watching horror, engaging in both board and video games, fishing, and cherishing moments playing with his kids.
By day, with over six years of experience in non-profit program management and event planning, JaVon plays a pivotal role in supporting over 25 social justice ministries at a parish in North Raleigh. His dedication extends to addressing critical issues such as poverty, affordable housing, food insecurity, and environmental care, embodying a deep-seated commitment to serve the most vulnerable.
In his personal time, JaVon finds solace in reading and/or watching horror, engaging in both board and video games, fishing, and cherishing moments playing with his kids.
Taylor, a dedicated sexual violence advocate, is committed to fostering healing and positive change. Her ongoing journey is inspired by the remarkable individuals she's had the privilege to work with.
Originally from Belleville, Michigan, Taylor was raised on a small farm where she cultivated a fascination with the paranormal while raising horses. Her childhood bedroom became a site of eerie encounters, with shadowy figures appearing in the darkness. Despite the initial fear, Taylor transformed it into curiosity and determination, delving into the uncharted realms of the unexplained as she grew older.
In her free time, she enjoys painting, writing, attending comedy shows, and practicing yoga. Graduating from law school in May 2023, Taylor aspires to build a legal career focused on aiding people in navigating complex systems and contributing to the reform of the justice system to be more compassionate and supportive.
Originally from Belleville, Michigan, Taylor was raised on a small farm where she cultivated a fascination with the paranormal while raising horses. Her childhood bedroom became a site of eerie encounters, with shadowy figures appearing in the darkness. Despite the initial fear, Taylor transformed it into curiosity and determination, delving into the uncharted realms of the unexplained as she grew older.
In her free time, she enjoys painting, writing, attending comedy shows, and practicing yoga. Graduating from law school in May 2023, Taylor aspires to build a legal career focused on aiding people in navigating complex systems and contributing to the reform of the justice system to be more compassionate and supportive.
Melissa's journey into the paranormal began in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent her childhood before making North Carolina her home. Residing with her spouse, three dogs, and two cats, Melissa's lived experiences have cultivated a deep fascination for the paranormal—a curiosity that continues to grow each passing year.
A graduate of UNC Greensboro with a major in sociology and a concentration in criminology, Melissa channels her passion for social justice into her role as a social worker, specializing in supporting Latinx survivors of domestic violence. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family, engaging in creative crafts, exploring new destinations, paddling on her board, and dedicating time to volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Driven by a desire to contribute to the paranormal field for future generations, Melissa eagerly anticipates actively engaging in data collection and testing current paranormal theories. Her commitment to both her professional and personal pursuits reflects her dedication to making a positive impact on the world around her.
A graduate of UNC Greensboro with a major in sociology and a concentration in criminology, Melissa channels her passion for social justice into her role as a social worker, specializing in supporting Latinx survivors of domestic violence. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family, engaging in creative crafts, exploring new destinations, paddling on her board, and dedicating time to volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Driven by a desire to contribute to the paranormal field for future generations, Melissa eagerly anticipates actively engaging in data collection and testing current paranormal theories. Her commitment to both her professional and personal pursuits reflects her dedication to making a positive impact on the world around her.
Monae Thomas, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for adventure. Having recently embarked on a new journey in North Carolina with her husband, seeking a fresh start after a decade in South Carolina, Monae's connection to the paranormal traces back to her early childhood. Her mother noted her ability to perceive things beyond ordinary comprehension, sparking a lifelong fascination with the unseen.
With a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Communication from Juniata College, Monae possesses a diverse skill set that complements her inquisitive nature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she finds joy in the culinary arts, indulging in crime shows and movies, and exploring the intricacies of the world around her.
Monae's paranormal beliefs are rooted in Einstein's famous quote: "Energy is neither created nor destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another." She speculates that when an individual passes away, their energy endures. Embracing the belief that there is much more to the paranormal than meets the eye, Monae asserts that our understanding is merely a fraction of the vast spectrum of experiences that exist.
Eagerly anticipating a fresh exploration of the unknown, Monae looks forward to delving into the mysteries of the paranormal with the Ghost Guild. With her unique perspective and open-minded approach, she is poised to contribute to the team's endeavors in uncovering the hidden facets of the supernatural world.
With a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Communication from Juniata College, Monae possesses a diverse skill set that complements her inquisitive nature. Beyond her academic pursuits, she finds joy in the culinary arts, indulging in crime shows and movies, and exploring the intricacies of the world around her.
Monae's paranormal beliefs are rooted in Einstein's famous quote: "Energy is neither created nor destroyed; it can only be changed from one form to another." She speculates that when an individual passes away, their energy endures. Embracing the belief that there is much more to the paranormal than meets the eye, Monae asserts that our understanding is merely a fraction of the vast spectrum of experiences that exist.
Eagerly anticipating a fresh exploration of the unknown, Monae looks forward to delving into the mysteries of the paranormal with the Ghost Guild. With her unique perspective and open-minded approach, she is poised to contribute to the team's endeavors in uncovering the hidden facets of the supernatural world.
Allison is a seasoned research scientist with over a decade of experience studying bio-electricity. With a background in Psychology and armed with a PhD in Biology, she boasts an impressive track record, having published several papers on electrophysiology and neurological diseases. Her multidisciplinary background provides her with a unique perspective on the complexities of human behavior and cognition.
Eager to apply her scientific knowledge, she aims to measure and analyze the electromagnetic forces potentially associated with hauntings. Her goal is to uncover fresh insights into the interaction between perceived ghosts and the physical world, as well as their impact on living beings. Through her work, she aspires to bridge the realms of science and the supernatural, while sharing her fascination with others.
Outside the lab, Allison gets her adrenaline rush through rock climbing and enjoys tabletop role-playing games, where she weaves tales of adventure with her friends.
Eager to apply her scientific knowledge, she aims to measure and analyze the electromagnetic forces potentially associated with hauntings. Her goal is to uncover fresh insights into the interaction between perceived ghosts and the physical world, as well as their impact on living beings. Through her work, she aspires to bridge the realms of science and the supernatural, while sharing her fascination with others.
Outside the lab, Allison gets her adrenaline rush through rock climbing and enjoys tabletop role-playing games, where she weaves tales of adventure with her friends.
Lori's upbringing was marked by a nomadic lifestyle, relocating between states every one to two years. Living in diverse homes, many with historical significance, sparked her curiosity about the stories of their past inhabitants. This curiosity, coupled with her adult experiences, cultivated an interest in the paranormal.
Professionally, Lori is a member of the biology department at a large university in Chapel Hill. Drawing from her exposure to scientific research and data analysis, Lori contributes to various team efforts, including case reviews, documenting experiences, and formulating testable hypotheses.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lori finds fulfillment in nurturing her garden alongside her partner Donovan and caring for their chickens, two dogs, and a cat. Committed to community service, she enjoys attending live music events, exploring captivating literature, and indulging in her hobby of knitting, crafting items with varying degrees of practicality.
Lori is also a certified death doula, where her compassion and dedication guides individuals and families through life's final chapter with tenderness and empathy as they traverse the threshold between worlds.
Professionally, Lori is a member of the biology department at a large university in Chapel Hill. Drawing from her exposure to scientific research and data analysis, Lori contributes to various team efforts, including case reviews, documenting experiences, and formulating testable hypotheses.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lori finds fulfillment in nurturing her garden alongside her partner Donovan and caring for their chickens, two dogs, and a cat. Committed to community service, she enjoys attending live music events, exploring captivating literature, and indulging in her hobby of knitting, crafting items with varying degrees of practicality.
Lori is also a certified death doula, where her compassion and dedication guides individuals and families through life's final chapter with tenderness and empathy as they traverse the threshold between worlds.