Executive Paranormal Investigative Team
The North Orange County Paranormal Society, also known as ParaUnit, serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to comprehend their paranormal encounters. Renowned among genuine investigators in the field, we employ scientific methods to explore and document unusual phenomena.
Our team consists of research experts in paranormal investigation, equipped to offer strategies and insights that have proven effective for previous clients in mitigating unexplained paranormal activity. Founded in 2000 by Jim VanEeckhoutte and Sam Neill, who were inspired by their own encounters with the unknown, the organization expanded in 2005 when Jim's brother Shawn joined as the team's videographer and technical specialist, forming the core of our operations.
Sam
NOPS Co-Founder / Paranormal Investigator / Case Manager
Email: nopssam@gmail.com
Sam has had a fascination with paranormal phenomena since childhood. As our spokesperson, he is driven by a desire to explore the unknown and connect with the other side, even hoping to share a drink in the process. He has made appearances in various paranormal pilot episodes and documentary series, showcasing his passion for the field. Often teaming up with Jim for investigations, Sam thrives in engaging with enthusiastic audiences, eager to share the team's experiences and insights into the mysteries of the paranormal.
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Shawn
NOPS / ParaUnit Tech. / Paranormal Investigator
Email: nopstech@gmail.com
Shawn, Jim's brother, has dedicated over two decades to his role as the technician at NOPS, where he also leads the Para-Unit response team. His responsibilities include devising strategies to capture paranormal activity that can enhance overall investigations. With 40 years of experience as a cinematographer, video engineer, and electronics technician, Shawn specializes in creating custom trigger equipment designed to improve evidence collection and streamline setup processes. Remarkably, he finances 90% of his projects independently. Initially skeptical about the validity of the phenomena he was tasked to investigate, Shawn's skepticism has evolved; he now approaches new cases with a 40% doubt but acknowledges that unusual occurrences do happen, which fuels his ongoing interest. He plays a crucial role in capturing the majority of video, audio, and images from investigations and manages the team's website and evidence storage.
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In December 2012, Shawn served as the executive producer for a live investigation program titled "Paranormal Live: 12-12-12," along with other live internet investigations. He has also innovatively modified small action cameras to operate in infrared full-spectrum, enabling visibility in complete darkness with the aid of IR illuminators and various spectral bands. To date, he has converted over 600 full-spectrum IR cameras for use by paranormal television shows, research groups, NASA, JPL, and the International Space Station. Additionally, Shawn holds the position of Executive Producer and Director for the documentary film "OPU Operation Para-Unit."
Jim
NOPS Co-Founder / Paranormal Investigator
Email: Jim@nops.us
Jim has been exploring the realm of the paranormal intermittently since 2005, driven by a deep curiosity about what occurs after death. As a lead investigator, he is dedicated to uncovering answers and is captivated by the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding. Employing a scientific methodology, Jim is eager to share his knowledge and experiences with others, helping them navigate the complexities of the paranormal.
He has made appearances on various paranormal pilot episodes and documentary television shows, showcasing his expertise. Jim focuses on conducting EVP sessions and engaging clients in discussions about their experiences. Additionally, he meticulously designs investigations that incorporate scenario-based activities, aiming to provoke spirit manifestations or other forms of activity.
Dennis
NOPS Associate Jr. Paranormal Investigator/Scout (Arizona)
Stationed in Arizona, Dennis serves as our primary contact for exploring ancient desert sites throughout the region. He was the one who reached out to us to investigate Yuma, known for its historic and reportedly haunted locations. Although relatively new to the field of paranormal investigation, Dennis has quickly become a significant figure in our team, as spirits seem to gravitate toward him, whether he welcomes their presence or not.
Victoria
NOPS Paranormal Investigator / Medium / Researcher / Writer / Producer
Victoria is a seasoned clairvoyant and medium, offering professional readings since 1987. With expertise in Tarot, Palmistry, Mediumship, Crystal Gazing, and Psychometry, she also engages in paranormal investigations. Holding a second-degree Reiki certification and being trained in Magnified Healing, she founded the North Orange County Tarot Society (NOCTS) in 2001, which operated for five years. Victoria remains actively involved in providing readings and teaching various aspects of metaphysics and the paranormal, while also supporting fundraising efforts for historic sites.
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Her notable achievements include authoring "Ghost of Orange County" in 2009, serving as the Lead Story Producer for the Bio specials and the inaugural season of "My Ghost Story" from 2009 to 2010, and leading story production for "Casefiles Unknown" on the Destination America Channel in 2005.
Aimee
NOPS Historian / Researcher / Co-Paranormal Investigator​
​Aimee Aul serves as a museum educator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where she has cultivated a deep interest in local and regional history, particularly from the 19th and 20th centuries. Her passion extends to the exploration of ghosts and hauntings, which hold significant cultural importance globally. Aimee enjoys delving into the historical contexts and events linked to these intriguing tales of the paranormal.
NOPS Honorary & Affiliate Paranormal Investigative Team
Lisa
NOPS Paranormal Investigator (Texas)
Lisa has been fascinated by the unusual, the extraordinary, and the paranormal for as long as she can remember. Throughout her life, she has encountered numerous phenomena, including witnessing full-body apparitions and engaging in conversations with spirits.
After years of exploring locations that resonated with her energy and experiencing both the presence of spirits and the criticism for acknowledging them, she chose to conceal her abilities, distancing herself from her gifts. However, after years of suppressing her talents and protecting her family, her passion resurfaced, prompting her to take a leap of faith and join her first official paranormal team in 2007.
