Am I a paranormal expert? by Ryan

Well first off, I never claimed to be. Secondly, how can anyone consider themselves an expert in a field full of experiments and pseudo-sciences. Also, I am not sure what qualifications are needed to be an "expert" at paranormal investigations. But in case anyone out there has an idea of what those qualifications may be, here are mine:

Schooling
- Associates degree in Computer Information Systems from Erie Community College
- Bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems from Buffalo State College

Work experience
- I have over 10 years experience in the computer specialist field and I am currently employed as a Computer Specialist for NY State and work in local school districts.

Volunteer work
- I am the Events Coordinator for the Buffalo Central Terminal. I have also volunteered time with the Newfane Historical Society.

Paranormal groups
- I am the founder of WNY Ghost Hunters based out of the Buffalo Central Terminal. I have successfully established a group that is also volunteers at the Terminal for clean-up and events. We also investigate other locations throughout the area and are also the exclusive group for the Van Horn Mansion. We have been in existence for over 1 year.

Paranormal Investigations
- I have investigated for about 3 years now and have been in an established group for a year. Places investigated are Buffalo Central Terminal, Iron Island, Rolling Hills, Van Horn Mansion, Kelly Hotel, Hayes Hall, JN Adams Hospital, Valentown, Palmyra, Knickerbocker Hotel, Conneautt Lake Hotel, USS Sullivans, Residentials, and a few other undisclosed locations in WNY.

Other information
- I have been an active member of a local Civil War Reenactment group for over 8 years. I enjoy history and like educating and entertaining other by portraying life as it was in the 19th Century during the Civil War.

So, there is my resume. Does it make me more or less qualified than anyone else? I think no. What I do know is the I have FUN doing this! I am sorry, but I am not interested in turning my time in the paranormal field in to a boring book-worm type class in college. I am NOT a boring Professor (though John calls me the Professor, lol!) and I will never throw out big words and theories to impress you. My schooling, job experience, and volunteer work speaks for itself and I don't need to try and sound smart. That is not me and never will be. So bottom line is this, I never claimed to be an expert and I don't care what anyone else thinks of my qualifications. I am in it to have fun and explore some of the coolest and most historical locations in the country. Hopefully along the way I can experience or catch some paranormal activity, and maybe interact with someone from the past. And if you don't like some of my evidence or want to bash it, then have at it. I am open to any opinions and am just showing you what we captured. I have never hid evidence and will freely show anyone what was captured and what we THINK it is. If you have a better idea of what something may be than great! I don't take it personally as we are searching for things that may or may not be there.

We are all in this field together, and what I am doing is not anything different than what anyone else can be doing as well. I can show what I do and how I do it, and you can take it as you will. Don't let anyone fool you in thinking they know more than you, as we are all doing basically the same thing. And if you are in it to strictly help people, that is good for you. One thing I am NOT qualified to do is establish the fact of dealing with people's mental well being. I am not a psychologist and I would rather not get involved in figuring out what is going on in people's heads. So I do hope that paranormal investigators who claim to be able to help people rid ghosts and demons from homes are qualified in psychology as they may do more damage than good because not everything is a ghost. I am not a Psychologist, Psychic, or Demonologist, but just a "regular Joe" who works on computers for a career.

So far, I am enjoying my time in WNY Ghost Hunters and Beyond Ghosts. I have met some of the nicest people and also friends that will be considered friends long after I am done doing this. I also have been in some of the greatest places in the area. I have explored some great locations loaded with history, and experienced some great paranormal activity. And guess what, as soon as this stops being fun, I will stop doing this!

Here is the bottom line, if you want to enjoy yourself, have fun, laugh a little, explore some great historical locations, and hopefully experience some of the paranormal, than you are welcomed to hang with me. My mission at Beyond Ghosts is to make a lot of these great historical places accessible to everyone who wants to come and explore and have fun. If you are interested in a science lesson about quantum physics, theories, and bashing other groups and there evidence, go elsewhere as I am not for you. From the great turnouts we have received at our events and lectures, I am happy to say that most people are in it for the same reasons as me.

Now if that means I am not "in it for the right reasons" then so be it!


Ryan Willard