Over the course of the next few weeks, we'll be introducing you to members of SSPR in their own words. Since I (Karen) just sent out the questionnaire to other team members about ten minutes ago and NO ONE has gotten back to me yet (the nerve!), we'll start with mine.

Name: Karen

What is your role with SSPR? I am an investigator/researcher. I also write the blog and maintain the team’s website. I've also learned things go best on an investigation if I'm not allowed to touch the equipment.

How long have you been with the team? How long have you researched the paranormal? I’m not sure – I think I've been with SSPR for two years. Before that, I was with another team. I've been researching the afterlife since I was about 15.

What are your hobbies? I’m lucky. Most of my hobbies are also my profession. Along with writing, playing music, and making jewelry, I also love cooking. I have a passion for design, and I enjoy art, reading, theater – and pretty much any other creative pursuit. I also write for Paranormal Underground Magazine, and I host their weekly radio show on ZTalkRadio. I am also an author. I've written three books - Lessons of Many Lives (with Melissa Watts), Avalanche of Spirits: The Ghosts of Wellington, and Dancing with the Afterlife: A paranormal memoir.

Why the paranormal? I’ve spent much of my life researching the afterlife – it’s always been interesting to me. I’ve had anomalous experiences, and they absolutely fascinate me. Because I’m naturally curious, I have a burning need to get to the bottom of things. Researching the paranormal helps fill this desire.

What is your most meaningful or funny paranormal experience? I’ve written in this blog a lot about my meaningful paranormal experiences, so I won't bore people with that again. I’m terrified of bats, so anytime we investigate somewhere with bats, I’m on edge. Living creatures freak me out a lot more than the spirits of dead people.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I consider myself to be extremely shy. People who know me laugh at this notion, because I’m kind of a chatterbox, but when I’m out of my element and don’t know people, I have to force myself to interact even though I’m quaking inside.

What scares you? Not ghosts! Aside from bats, I have a snake phobia. I'm also afraid of tongue depressors and Weird Al Yankovic. I wish I was kidding, but I'm not.