Please check out their wonderful website at: virginiaghosts.com/newsite/
The Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation is a non-profit organization based outside of Richmond,VA.. Founded by the lovely Bobbie Atristain a great Writer and a respected TAPS Partner, Investigator. Bobbie appeared on the Scfy reality series Ghost Hunters during the Seaon 3 investigation of a private residence in Chespeake, VA. She is the Founder & Director of CPRI (Center for Paranormal Reasearch and Investigation) located in Virgina.
They are in my book one of the best organizations in America to be associated with. Through many years of research study and exploration they have openly conduct investigations into the paranormal in a non-metaphysical manner. Through their actions they seek out allegedly "haunted locations" and to assist those who are experiencing problems with the paranormal. And of course they have made many eye opening discoveries over the years. Which helps prove that the oldest paranormal research team in the state Of Virginia is also the best!
The book begins by describing why the paranormal is worthy of scientific investigation and why belief in the paranormal has increased over the last 10 years. Next it reviews the areas of neuroscience, neurotheology, and quantum physics. These are relatively new areas to mainstream science and therefore can be unfamiliar even to the veteran paranormal investigator. The brief overview of each topic provides one with a general understanding of the topic and explains why they are important to paranormal research and how they may someday make the paranormal very normal.
Haunted People, Haunted Minds (Paperback)
~ Bobbie Atristain (Author)
You can buy it here now!
The book begins by describing why the paranormal is worthy of scientific investigation and why belief in the paranormal has increased over the last 10 years. Next it reviews the areas of neuroscience, neurotheology, and quantum physics. These are relatively new areas to mainstream science and therefore can be unfamiliar even to the veteran paranormal investigator. The brief overview of each topic provides one with a general understanding of the topic and explains why they are important to paranormal research and how they may someday make the paranormal very normal.
The basics of the three-step investigation process used by The Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation (CPRI) is presented next. This is the same process used by the group I am affiliated with and it is good to see others using it. This investigation procedure is very successful and should be used by more paranormal investigators. A little bit more information on what types of questions are asked during the interview and the specifics of the full-scale investigation would have been an added bonus.
The review of theories on infrasound, electromagnetic fields, and geomagnetic fields, their effects on the brain, and how they can be the cause of some subjective paranormal experiences is extremely well done. Complex theories from Michael Persinger and Vic Tandy are presented in a logical and easily understandable format. Examples from the scientific literature and real-life case studies provide the needed support in order to drive the information home. The reader will also enjoy learning about some of the unique equipment the CRPI is using to test these theories in the field.
The next couple of chapters deal with hardcore scientific, psychological, and parapsychological information and concepts as they relate to the paranormal. Bobbie proposes that 90% to 95% of the cases the CPRI have investigated are haunted people/haunted minds and NOT due to a discarnate entity, poltergeist/RSPK (Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis), or residual haunting (of course there is still that 5% to 10% that may be paranormal for you true believers). She discusses the haunted people/haunted minds concept within the framework of known psychological conditions such as: dysfunctional families, bipolar disorder, childhood trauma and sexual abuse, and temporal lobe epilepsy. It is clear that Bobbie has a firm grasp of the published scientific literature and has done an excellent job of applying that information to her field research.
The book then goes on to describe the various psychological phenomena that can be mistaken for paranormal experiences. Not only does one learn what causes the phenomenon but is also educated on what type of paranormal activity it resembles. Once again I enjoyed how each point was reinforced by real-life examples.
Finally, there are various case studies that have been investigated by the CPRI. The reader will particularly enjoy the Dangerous Orbs chapter!
Each year CPRI investigator's are interviewed by various radio programs. Here's a small sample of some interviews that we have saved over the years that are still interesting to listen to....
Members or actually to a large degree skeptics and not direct de bunkers. Members of the group of course are honestly committed to proposing new theories regarding the paranormal that will be reproducible within a laboratory environment. The credibility of the group is maintained above all else as they do not work with psychics or conduct investigations using metaphysical methods. In addition, they do not claim to be experts in the paranormal, as no experts exist when it comes to the supernatural, no matter what anyone may claim or who may claim to be one.
CPRI is currently working on numerous theories and research relating to the paranormal. To read more about these click here.
| 3 Step Investigation Process |
| Due to the high volume of investigation requests CPRI does not investigate all requests. We do make preliminary inquiries for ALL requests but NOT all of these result in a full scale investigation. |
There is a 3 step process to our investigating procedures (it is explained below). If you feel you are experiencing paranormal events and would like a consultation - free of charge - please fill out this form. A member of the CPRI team will respond to your inquiry within 48 business hours.
- Step One - We receive your email and dispatch it to the Regional Director of your area. He/She will call/email you to conduct an initial interview.
Step Two - An initial investigation takes place - this involves only a couple of regional investigators. It last about 2 hours. During this time an EM (electro magnetic) Field survey is conducted, a lengthy interview is conducted with all of the occupants of the location, photographs are taken and audio recordings are made - based on this information - the Regional Director will discuss the need for a full scale investigation.
- Step Three - If a full scale investigation is warrented - meaning that the activity occurs in a somewhat predictable fashion or is a regular occurance - a team will be assembled - based on the type of activity that most frequently occurs to conduct an all night investigation (usually between 11:00 pm and 4:00 am).
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The CPRI Team
CPRI, Inc is different from most paranormal organizations because our team is composed of professionals from diversified backgrounds. Our investigators have been trained by VA State certified forensic police instructors in the art of evidence collecting and interviewing witnesses. In the event any physical evidence is collected we have an establish protocol for Chain of Custody to ensure the integrity of all evidence collected.
Key Personnel Excerpts Written by Bobbie Atristain
Founder & Director....Bobbie Atristain
Bobbie founded CPRI in the Spring of 2000 with the help of Matt Didier of the the Toronto Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society.
Bobbie Atristain
Bobbie and her husband Rick reside in Nottoway County, VA. She is a researcher and writer for the print edition of Ghost! Magazine, Haunted Times Magazine, The UK's Mystery Mag, T.A.P.S. Para Magazine and has even written article for FATE magazine. Her first book entitled Haunted Minds, Haunted People, was published in 2006. In early 2005 she was awarded an honorary certificate in Parapsychology from the Southeastern Institute of Parapsychology for her research into the paranormal. She is also a member of the International High I.Q. Society.
Bobbie's interest in the paranormal began at an early age which prompted her to read anything and everything related to the paranormal and the occult. She spent summers at her grandmother's home in Gretna, Virginia where lots of "unexplainable" events frequently occurred. These events only fueled her interest.
Bobbie studied art history and political science at Sweet Briar College where there were plenty of ghost stories. Once she finished college she moved to Lynchburg where she lived in an old house where plenty of unexplainable events occurred. She had the opportunity to utilize her investigative techniques on a daily basis.
Since she founded CPRI in May of 2000 she has had the chance to serve as a paranormal consultant for PBS's Things that Go Bump in the Night 2,a Sci Fi series, Fangoria TV, Discovery Kids and for two of the Travel Channel's productions including the World's Most Cursed Places. She has guest starred on the SciFi hit series "Ghost Hunters". She also consulted with L.B. Taylor to give him some ideas for stories to use in his Ghost of Virginia book series. She along with the CPRI, Inc have been covered by such mainstream periodicals as The New York Times, The New York Daily News, The Washington Post, The Roanoke Times, The Richmond Times Dispatch and The Washington Times concerning the paranormal in Virginia. She has also visited numerous "allegedly" haunted locations worldwide including the infamous Woodchester Mansion in England.
When she's not conducting paranormal research she is busying either flying an airplane, jumping out of one or piercing people with a foil. Bobbie has FINALLY finished her first book covering her scientific research findings from CPRI, Inc field investigations - it's called Haunted Minds, Haunted People.
QUOTE:"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
--George Bernard Shaw"
You can email Bobbie at
\n bobbie@virginiaghosts.com
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Social Media Director....Amy Kizer
Amy joined CPRI in August 2008 and was appointed as the Social Media Director in August 2009.<
Amy Kizer
Although born in WV, Amy grew up - from almost four years old on - just outside of New Orleans, LA. She has lived in Charlottesville for the past few years, and is a registered nurse at the University of Virginia. Amy has been interested in the paranormal as far back as she can remember. As a small child growing up in southern Louisiana, Amy had occasional encounters with a man she later discovered – through old family photos she had never seen before- was a deceased Native American great grandfather she never knew. She grew up reading anything about the paranormal she could get her hands on, as well as watch as many documentaries & TV specials about ghost hunting and investigations as possible. She clearly recalls her mother noting what an “odd interest” for a young child to have that, according to her mother, seemed to “come from nowhere”. Amy also had several other personal experiences as a child that, to this day, she cannot explain.
Amy became a member of CPRI in August 2008 after attending a paranormal conference in Philadelphia in May of that same year. The conference & subsequent investigation at Eastern State Penitentiary refueled her passion for wanting to become an investigator. During the ESP investigation, Amy had several unexplained personal experiences, as well as many encounters with shadow people. While still attending the conference, Amy researched groups in Virginia that held similar beliefs in & approaches to the paranormal as her own. She is currently an investigator in the Central Region and relishes in the fact that following a passion is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Amy’s other interests include reading, watching documentaries, Greek & Roman mythology, a love of medieval & Victorian era history, and she has recently rekindled an interest in researching past life regression.
You can email Amy @
\n amy@virginiaghosts.com
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Historian.....Fredrick Sineath
Fredrick was appointed the Historian positon in the Winter of 2005.
Freddie Sineath
Spending much of his early life pursuing a career in medicine, attending the Medical College of Virginia and the Virginia Commonwealth University. However he turned towards the front line duty for many years in the public safety fields as a Paramedic, Firefighter, Law Enforcement and in the military as a combat medic, before settling in other public safety fields.
History has always been his true passion in life also since a young age pondering over those old relics that he collected. This further lead to everything from exhaustive detailed research to historical portrayals as a professional living history interpreter. As a historian he became an avid researcher, and writer. He was also a common sight giving talks and lectures at battlefield parks, colleges, schools, and museums. He is frequently called upon for his expertise to assist collectors and museums with authentication or identification of various historical artifacts. His collective historical resume also includes participating in a number of historical based TV and Movie productions, as both a part time actor, and as a professional historical advisor to the film industry. He continues to research, write, lecture, participate in living history programs, as well as a Civil War Reenactor.
Various events occurred that he personally witnessed over the last few years had rekindled his interest and research in the paranormal. Joining the ranks of CPRI in 2004 as the organization's resident Historian, and as a Paranormal Investigator with the Central Regional Team in VA.
Public Affairs Officer.....Allen Slonaker
Allen was appointed as the PAO in 2008.
Allen Slonaker
A native of the City of Richmond, Allen grew up in a Victorian era home in the city’s downtown. It was there that he had his first brushes with the paranormal. Allen was exposed to the city’s history and lore at a very early age. That sparked a lifelong interest in history and the paranormal which ultimately lead him to join CPRI in 2007. In joining CPRI, he was thrilled to find a group that approached the study of the paranormal in such an interesting and professional manner. In addition to working as the Public Affairs Officer for CPRI, Allen also serves as investigator with the Central Virginia regional team.
Allen has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University with minor courses of study in sociology and urban planning. He has spent nearly twenty years involved in the public safety field including search and rescue, EMS and law enforcement. Allen has spent the last twelve years serving in law enforcement and currently works as a criminal investigator.
His interests include almost anything involving history (especially WWII), collecting and reproducing sci-fi movie props and costumes, traveling, and reading. Allen currently lives in Richmond with his very patient wife, Monica, his young daughter and their canine son, Ned.
U.K. Investigator.....Robert M. Snow
Mr. Snow joined the CPRI, Inc team in the Summer of 2005.
Robert Snow has had an interest in the paranormal for many years. His appetite for the unexplained and mysterious was gained from his late Grandfather, Dr Richard Clay, a medical practitioner in Wiltshire. Dr Clay had several paranormal experiences himself and being a very methodical mind he recorded them on paper as soon as possible after the incident. He also recorded experiences of his patients that were related to him. Robert is now the owner of Dr Clay’s archives, having inherited them when his Grandfather died in the 1970s, he is always adding to them himself. Robert was until recently the General Secretary of The Ghost Club, the oldest paranormal research organisation in the world, having being founded in 1862.
Robert always looks at reports of supernatural happenings objectively and says that from his experience ninety percent of so called paranormal activity can be explained naturally through careful and objective investigation. However there is about ten percent of these incidents that seem to defy all investigation and just can’t be explained. It is this ten percent that interests Robert Snow.
Robert lives in an old building that is over 250 years old in an isolated village in Dorset in the South West of England. Unfortunately for Robert there are no ghosts in his home, much to his disappointment, or if there are they have not made their presence known to him so far.
Robert is always pleased to receive reports of paranormal activity and happenings to add to his now considerable archives.
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Regional Director for Roanoke, VA.....Tommy Amos
Tommy was appointed as the Regional Director for Roanoke, VA area in the Fall of 2001.
Tommy Amos
He was born and raised in Franklin County, Virginia. Tommy earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology and has continued his studies at Old Dominion University. He is married and has three daughters.
He became interested in the world of the paranormal during his early teens. After discovering that there are few chances to make a comfortable living in the paranormal field, his interest took him into the field of electronics, where he spent twelve years working as a broadcast engineer with Blue Ridge Public Television in Roanoke, VA. His strong interest in computers has ultimately culminated in his current career in computer technology with Virginia Western Community College. He intends to use his background in electronics and computers to pursue his continued interest in paranormal phenomena.
His personal experiences before becoming a member of the CPRI include Poltergeist activity, Astral projection, possession and Angelic intervention. He believes there are intertwining truths between Christian Fundamentalism, Pure Science and Paranormal Phenomena and he intends to continually search for them.
Regional Co-Director for the Hampton Roads area and Virginia Beach.....John Drummond
John was appointed Co-Regional Director of the Eastern Region in 2009.
John Drummond
John was born in Norfolk, Virginia and spent his childhood growing up in Illinois, Utah and Virginia. After serving in the Navy, he lived in Jacksonville, Florida for 10 years. During that time he attended the University of North Florida majoring in Modern History and English Literature. He returned to the Hampton Roads area in 1998 and has been there ever since. In 1999, he started a small gem and diamond wholesale business called Opera Art Jewelry. In 2002, he co-founded Drummond's Fine Jewelers, in Hampton, Virginia, with his wife, Patricia. John is a master goldsmith and metalsmith and an award winning jewelry designer. He holds multiple certifications from the Gemological Institute of America and is a member of several professional jeweler's organizations. He is a very active member of many local and national charities. Currently, he is working towards Masters of Art degree in World War II History specializing in Military Strategy and Tactics. He is a Freemason and is active in several area lodges. John has a very healthy curiosity about the unknown and a penchant for historical research. These things led him to an interest in CPRI. He resides in Toano, Virginia with his wife and four children.
Regional Co-Director for the Hampton Roads area and Virginia Beach.....Patricia Drummond
Patricia was appointed Co-Regional Director of the Eastern Region in 2009.
Patricia Drummon
Patricia is a native of New Jersey and alumni of Rutgers University, Princeton University and University of Maryland, where she majored in microbiology and biomedical science. She moved to Virginia in 1998 after living in Europe for several years. She is the co-owner and C.E.O. of Drummond's Fine Jewelers in Hampton, Virginia. She is a Gemological Institute of America certified Diamond Grader and is currently earning her degree as a Graduate Gemologist. Patricia is a very active member in several charitable organizations and women's leagues in the area. She is also a routine corporate sponsor of several national and international children's chairties. In addition to her business and charity life, Patricia has a part time career in fugitive recovery and bail enforcement and hopes to someday establish her own agency. She joined CPRI in 2007.
Regional Director for NOVA, VA.....Brian Parrish
Brian Parrish
Brian was appointed as Regional Director for NOVA in 2005.
Brian was born in Westmont, Illinois. In 1971 he moved to the Washington DC metro area. He's been there ever since. After graduation he enrolled in various art and design classes at Prince George's College. He has been a telecommunications draftsman since the mid 1980's. He is also an artist - to pursue his artistic side he does freelance art and design. At an early age Brian remembers his entire family dealing with paranormal activity in their home. These experiences with paranormal activity gave Brian a strong interest in the paranormal. As a result of his curiosity he decided to join CPRI to learn more from the professionals (a.k.a CPRI, Inc.) about this subject.
Regional Director for North Western, VA.....Ladona Gorham
Ladona was appointed as Regional Director for North Western VA in Fall of 2007.
Ladona Gorham
Ladona became interested in the paranormal at a very young age. Before the age of 10, she was reading every book about the paranormal she could get her hands on. She began searching for the answer to that age old question, “Do ghosts exist?”
She joined CPRI in 2005, very pleased to have found a group of professionals that approached the question in a scientific manner. She hopes to one day see paranormal research viewed as a mainstream science.
Ladona was raised, not far away from the Northwest region of Virginia, in Mineral County, WV. She moved to Virginia in 1991.
She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from West Virginia University, a Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. She currently works in the education field.
Ladona lives in Spotsylvania with her very supportive husband, Jeff and their Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Wyatt.
Regional Director for the Greater Richmond area, VA.....Allen Slonaker
Allen was appointed the Regional Director in the Winter of 2009.
Allen Slonaker
A native of the City of Richmond, Allen grew up in a Victorian era home in the city’s downtown. It was there that he had his first brushes with the paranormal. Allen was exposed to the city’s history and lore at a very early age. That sparked a lifelong interest in history and the paranormal which ultimately lead him to join CPRI in 2007. In joining CPRI, he was thrilled to find a group that approached the study of the paranormal in such an interesting and professional manner. In addition to working as the Public Affairs Officer for CPRI, Allen also serves as investigator with the Central Virginia regional team.
Allen has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University with minor courses of study in sociology and urban planning. He has spent nearly twenty years involved in the public safety field including search and rescue, EMS and law enforcement. Allen has spent the last twelve years serving in law enforcement and currently works as a criminal investigator.
His interests include almost anything involving history (especially WWII), collecting and reproducing sci-fi movie props and costumes, traveling, and reading. Allen currently lives in Richmond with his very patient wife, Monica, his young daughter and their canine son, Ned.
Many CPRI members have published their research regarding the paranormal in such premiere research journals as Fate Magazine and Ghost! Magazine. Our main focus on researching the paranormal is science. Our scientific research staff is composed of physicists, environmental scientists, geologists, chemists, radio-nuclear chemists and Aerospace engineers. These scientists are from the National Academy of Science, NASA and Lockheed Martin to name a few. We also have a former physics professor from Loyola University on staff. Unlike many organizations who concentrate on exploratory research by just conducting investigations CPRI uses confirming research along with Mathematic principles and Physics in conjunction with experiments to study the paranormal.
PARANORMAL TASK FORCE™
"Your One Stop Paranormal Resource Center"
Have
The Dead Spoken To You Lately?
Lisa Lee Harp Waugh
The Great American Necromancer
The first lady of conjuring the Dead.
The ancient art pf Necromancy is still
alive today with Waugh at it's main
investigator. LISA LEE HARP WAUGH
Is a necromancer in the 21st century.
She is by what may call a real conduit
to the world of the dead. She dressers
in ceremonial robes, draws magical
circles on the floor and commands
spirits from Heaven, Hell and all
places in between to appear before
her and communicate with the living.
As a teenager she studied heavily
The Black Arts by Richard Cavendish
and The Grand Grimoire by A.E Waite,
the Malleus Maleficarum and anything
she could get her hands on by the
great by Eliphas Levi, John Dee and
the great beast, Aleister Crowley.
www.ghosthuntersofamerica.com
A professional Necromancer and founder
of the Sorcerers Guild And Necromancers
of Texas and of greater Houston, Texas.
Waugh has been practicing and conducting
rituals for many paranormal investigators
for over 20 years. Waugh also paints
many spiritual and common murals and
lives in a small Texas town with her
three dogs. She also over the years
makes ceremonial candles and is active
in ghost hunting in the deep South.
Summoning the dead to communicate
with the living is a natural daily
occurrence for Waugh. "I have
been doing this since I was a child."
" When I lived in Galveston,
Texas about 15 years ago, I was introduced
to the ancient rights of ceremonial
Necromancy as a ritual by a great
shaman called Freebird, and because
of him and his diligence to the art,
I still practice it until this day."
"However, if a spirit has something
vital to impart to you, they will
call upon you, not vice-versa and
no ritual is needed".
She then Got involved with the local
Hoodoo Voodoo's of the area and new
doors where opened to her concerning
communicating with the dead.
Waugh was baptized and trained in
the secret dark religion by Bianca
The Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Waugh
lived in New Orleans for 3 years until
she learned all about spells, hex's
and how to hoodoo voodoo people as
she says.
Waugh also owned and managed the
fantastic Candle Making Company in
Galveston, Texas for many years that
catered to the eclectic patrons taste
of many of the states visitors and
just curious. She then moved to Houston's
Famous Vodoun area 5th ward. This
now where she resides to this day.
Her home today is a testimony to Necromancy
and her new found religion of Voodoo
Hoodoo.
Necromantic practitioners such as
Waugh conducts, and entails respect
and reverence not only for the spirits
of the dead, but for the spirits of
Hell, Heaven and all places in between.
Waugh has a large home one room she
has painted black where she calls
the good spirits. Another painted
all black where she calls the infernal
spirits.
The
American Ghost Hunters Society is
currently accepting new members all
across the country for our network
of ghost hunters, ghost writers and
ghost enthusiasts.
We
Investigate all types of Paranormal
and Unexplained Phenomena through
Research and Documentation.
WARNING
This is an adults only web site. If
you are under the age of 18 or 21
depending on your states laws use
your back button to leave now. The
entry, viewing & use of this web
site is governed by the terms &
conditions, these can be viewed
Here.
Waugh is often compared today in
her facial features and many similar
practices as being a modern Dr. John
Dee. He of course was one of the most
fascinating characters of the Elizabethan
period just as Waugh is recognized
as such in modern times. The events
of Dee's life are filled with science,
experiments, astrology and mathematics
which he aligned with magic, the supernatural
and alchemy! All of which is Waugh's
personal passion and driven honest
beliefs. These are also stead fast
traditions she does and true in practicing
openly. A few of her select followers
say she is the actual reincarnation
of John Dee. Waugh also practices
astrology, and is very continuously
studying the Black Arts.
Waugh, a real big hearted Texas gal
does not comment on any of this privately
or publicly ... for she is humble
in her paranormal studies and research
to the core. Gina Lanier a close friend
of her's relates: "Waugh is a
very outgoing friendly, charming and
a downright loveable person, and gets
along equally well with the living
and the dead." Lanier and Waugh
once investigated a real Haunted Texas
Federal Prison together for close
to two years in the early 1990's and
had many startling paranormal adventures
while there.
Lisa Lee Harp Waugh's accomplishments
have been achieved through hard work,
persistence, and a goal-oriented attitude
required to overcome obstacles and
reach difficult goals. Waugh shares
her approach to communicating with
the dead's success in this motivational
performance that's sure to inspire
Paranormal Investigators to excel
in their life.
Patti
Starr
Certified
Ghost Hunter
 
Also
read: Is It
Really Paranormal? Questioning The
Unknown Side Of Ghosts And Demonic
Possession - With tales of being raped
or beaten by ghosts, to stories of
even a ghost giving a person a loan
of some cash. I ask myself do these
things really happen? -- Ginalanier.com
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