Steven LaChance
Steven is a Extreme Haunting Specialist, Author, Speaker, Talk Show Radio Host, and Executive Producer.
Steven founded Missouri Paranormal Research and co-founded the Paranormal Task Force after living through an extreme haunting himself along with his family and friends. Steven developed the idea of The Humanistic Approach to investigation in order to help others. In July of 2007, Steven left MPR and PTF to pursue independent endeavors, but is still very proud of both organizations today.
Steven's focus is on extreme, private hauntings. These investigations are typically dangerous and intense in nature with either an individual or a family endangered by a demon. He has successfully investigated and concluded many such cases because of his personal background in extreme hauntings, the network of investigators he has developed over the years and upon whom he relies for back up and/or advice, and his compassion for people.
He is frequently called upon to speak about various investigations he was involved in, and he has also been a featured guest on several radio stations across the US, the UK, Canada, and parts of South Africa. Steven is not a stranger to television interviews either and has had many interviews with him published in newspapers and magazines across the US. In October of 2006, "Fear House" premiered as the first show of the third season of the Discovery Channels, "A Haunting." This show featured Steven and the story of the Union Haunting. In addition, he has been interviewed and filmed for inclusion in two paranormal documentaries. Most recently he was filmed and interviewed for a Booth Brothers documentary which is scheduled for release in October 2007 titled, "Children Of The Grave".
Steven is also a published author. His short story was published by Barnes and Noble in 2006, and he is a contributor to magazines dealing with paranormal activity. He and his biographer, Laura Long-Helbig are currently working on a semi-autobiographical book that will for the first time reveal the details of Steven’s and his family’s personal experience with an extreme haunting. This book is being published by Llwellyn Worldwide as a major project. It is also the subject of an upcoming major motion picture. He and Helbig also have numerous other projects which will soon be announced.
Steven is a much sought after lecturer on the national circuit. Steven’s personal experience, his involvement in many other paranormal experiences, and the philosophy he has developed towards paranormal investigations make him a fascinating speaker. He will begin traveling with the Haunted Survivors Tour in 2008 along with, John Zaffis, Denice Jones, and Carmen Reed.
Steven also has a background in corporate training and is available
for on-site training on developing working relationships within
companies and how the “humanistic” approach to investigating
the paranormal can be used to create a successful and enjoyable work
environment.
Official Web Site www.stevenalachance.com
Steven LaChance 20 Questions
1. Where do you see ghost hunting and Paranormal groups, web sites or Ghost information, tours, Books being in contact with ghosts like your own in 10 years?
This really requires a two fold answer. First, I feel that the larger
groups are going to feel the need to diversify from just ghost hunting
to other phenomena such as UFO Research in order to survive. There
will be a need to examine research from a larger perspective in order
to uncover a common thread within all of these types of events, not
just simply the ghost phenomena.
Second, I feel that there is going to be a larger need for Independents
working in the field of extreme hauntings like I am. There is no question
that these type of hauntings are on the rise and there is a push for
independents to network together in order to satisfy this ever growing
need.
2. What would you personally consider to be the definitive proof that
ghosts are real?
In my opinion, all we need to do is to study the events surrounding
the death of loved ones. There are numerous accounts of those we love
trying to contact us from the other side after death.
3. What is the most real evidence you personally have uncovered so
far?
That is a hard question. I would have to say that some of the evidence
we collected while filming Children Of The Grave was the most convincing.
At least for myself.
4. Are you skeptical of the claims other make of their findings?
I try not to be too judgmental. I think there is enough of that going
on within the paranormal community right now. I appreciate the facts
and comments of any skeptic, and I have on occasion shared my own
skeptical thoughts. However, it is very hard to question an event
that you were not present for and I believe this makes it very hard
to judge the work of others.
5. If you could investigate your "Dream Haunted Hot Spot"
where would it be?
The trail of Jack The Ripper in London England.
6. What was your first Paranormal encounter?
My first paranormal encounter is the basis of my book, "The Screaming
House." You are welcome to come over to my site to read the short
account on the Screaming House pages. It is much too involved to put
here.
7. What scares you about Ghost Hunting or Paranormal Investigations?
People scare me more than anything else. Many times we are vulnerable,
to an extent, when we walk into a location. That is why I think it
is very important that everyone spend the time to research a location
prior to the investigation. And then of course, be prepared for anything
when you arrive on location. That is why you should never go out alone
and always make sure a few people know where you are.
8. If you could work side by side with one of the Paranormal Investigator
greats, who would it be?
I have already worked side by side with some of the greats. However,
I think it would have been cool to have worked at least once with
the late Ed Warren.
9. Read any good Paranormal Books lately other then your own?
I read all of the time. Lets see, the latest paranormal book that
I have read was, "Witness To Roswell," by Thomas Clarke
and his partner.
10. What Question do people ask you most when you tell them your
a paranormal investigator, writer?
Tell me a ghost story.
11. In your opinion, Where is the most Haunted city in America?
Of course I live in the Midwest so I would have to say Alton, Illinois.
12. Do you feel more people should get involved with Ghost hunting
or Paranormal Investigation?
There is value in what we do and whenever you are doing something
of value it is something to encourage others to take part. The reason
I have Ghost Hunters Workshops is to provide education to those wanting
to get into research and investigation. I like helping them get off
on the right foot instead of stumbling around on their own trying
to figure it out.
13. What does the future hold for you?
Even though I am working on the books, film, and radio I see me still
helping families in extreme paranormal need for a long time to come.
That is why I got involved in this and no amount of success is going
to take away or diminish that need to help others.
14. Paranormal Conventions do you see them growing?
I think the amount of conventions is going to decrease. However, I
believe that there will be several large conventions that will continue
to grow. Of course, The Mid South Paranormal Convention would be a
great place to start or any of the events of Troy Taylor's in Decatur,
Illinois.
15. What is your most favored tool of the trade?
My ability to effectively communicate with my client with compassion
and understanding.
Haunted Survivors full group - John Zaffis, Steven LaCHance, Carmen Reed and Denice Jones (Child's story sparked the 6th Sense Movie)
16. Tell us about your best moment in investigating or conference
attending for you?
My best moment in investigating would have to be with my old team
MPR, Keith Age, and the Booth Brothers when we took a trip to Zombie
Road to film for Children Of The Grave. Amazing things happened that
night. We also got surrounded by a pack of coyotes, but that is a
whole other story.
17. What is the hardest part about being paranormal investigator?
Finding time and finances to do it all.
18. How do you document your investigations?
I take a humanistic approach to investigating and documentation.
19. Have you ever taken a ghost Tour ?
There was one tour at a Haunted Mansion and the person giving the
tour decided to have a seance in the attic of the mansion. I come
from the school of thought that this type of activity is dangerous.
20. What in the field of ghost hunting and ParanormalInvestigating needs the most attention?
All of this backbiting and bickering that we have seen over the
past year needs to stop. At this stage of the game, our community
should be getting closer. However, there are certain factions out
there that would like to drive us further and further apart. In order
for all of us to succeed toward the truth, we need to work together
as one community. Fighting and finger pointing is going to tear at
this community and keep us from ever coming close to the truth.
