EXPERIENCER RESOURCE TEAM (ERT)

Madeleine (Mady) Tobias, MS, RN CS is a retired psychotherapist who worked with veterans with PTSD from combat trauma as well as sexual abuse. She had also been in private practice since 1979 working with adults victimized in childhood, and those who had been in destructive cults. Mady is the co-author of Captive Hearts/Captive Minds as well as contributing to three other books on mind control, cults and recovery issues. She has contributed a chapter on psychological and recovery issues in Kathleen Marden’s Extraterrestrial Contact : “What to Do When You’ve Been Abducted” with fellow ERT members Ann Castle and Denise Stoner. Mady became a MUFON Field Investigator in 2016 and was immediately drawn to helping experiencers and those affected by their exposure to UFO phenomena. She has had a lifelong interest in ufology and the unusual. She sees many similarities in the aftereffects of both destructive cults and abduction experiences. Her latest book, Dogs, God and UFOs is a memoir of her spiritual/psychological journey. Mady is a Reiki Master, volunteering giving Reiki to patients in a hospice organization.

Anna Scott is a registered nurse with a background in health care and laboratory science. She’s had a lifelong interest in ufology and has seen many things she can’t explain. She obtained her field investigator certification with MUFON in the fall of 2018. She enjoys travel, gardening, nature and spending time with her family.

Timothy Aines has a BA from Northwestern University and an M.S. from the University of Southern California in Systems Management. Tim is a lifelong student of the ET contact phenomenon and served 23 years as a senior intelligence officer in both the Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard where he interviewed hundreds of people on cases of national interest, including the UAP phenomenon. Tim has been a MUFON member and a very successful field investigator for almost a decade, working with Experiencers on a wide variety of encounters, sightings, and unexplained paranormal activity. Tim is also a logistician, having served as Chief of Staff of the Crisis Action Team at the U.S. Transportation Command where he was responsible for airlift and sealift operations in support of worldwide military operations for the two years immediately after 9/11. Tim lives in Illinois with his wife and has four grown children. His hobbies are books, film, logistics problems, and anything having to do with geographical or historical mysteries.

Hi I’m Christopher Harmon from Green Valley ILL, I’m a Mufon Star Team Member.And also an Experiencer Research Team member. I do Paranormal Investigations with a Local Group From Pekin ILL, S.W.P.I (Something Wicked Paranormal Investigations). I’m a self employed Photographer. I can sometimes be heard on Ham Radio from time to time on (kc9qxz). Working with Experiencers is rewarding to me. Being able to help comfort and console those who have had an Encounter and let them know that I’m Here and will do my best to help them through their traumatic experience and letting them know they are not alone that someone does care.

Dan is retired from the Air Force where he was a fighter pilot and a test pilot. He became the Director of Test for the F-22 program and finally Director of Test Resources for the Air Force.

He spent his retirement as a small businessman in Walla Walla and is now re-retired. He has been a member of MUFON since 2017 and Chief Investigator since 2018.

Active civil servant and senior technician in topography, road infrastructure and civil engineering, Eric obtained the MUFON investigator certification in July 2020 and is responsible for the Nouvelle – Aquitaine region in southwestern France. His natural attraction to ufology comes from a first observation in his childhood and a recent telepathic contact leading him to become actively involved in MUFON. Empathetic, open-minded and attentive, her wish is to support and help experiencers people. Martial arts practitioner – black belt Goju ryu karate of Okinawa – he enjoys contemplating nature and particularly appreciates the company of animals.

James (Jim) Krug Graduating from Juniata College (PA) in 2002 with a Bachelor’s in Science in Earth & Space Science and Secondary Education, Jim Krug has served as the Planetarium Director of the Neil Armstrong Planetarium in Altoona, PA since 2003. He co-founded the Space Race Museum containing valuable artifacts from the US and Soviet Space programs, and founded the Mt. Lion Observatory at nearby Fort Roberdeau historic site. Krug hosts public programs at the Planetarium and Observatory throughout the year, as well as birthday parties, scouting groups, and a 9-week adult evening classes focusing on Astronomy, Conspiracies, and Extraterrestrial Life at the Planetarium. He has served at the President of the Altoona Area Education Association, and was honored with the CARE Award in 2020 as the outstanding Secondary Educator in the Altoona Area School District. Krug has been a MUFON Field Investigator since 2015, and a PA State Section Director for the past five years. He is a frequent presenter at PA MUFON State Conferences, and has appeared on UFOs Over Pittsburgh, Aquarian Radio, The Chris DePerno Show, The Kevin Moore Show, and a Pennsylvania UFO documentary by Maynard Films. Krug has been published in Phenomena Magazine, and is a frequent guest on The Eric McKenna Project, and co-hosts the Majestic Ears Only podcast, available on iTunes and Google Play. He lives in Altoona.

Marietta is a MUFON Field Investigator. She has researched Ufology, Savie (Bigfoot), and Near Death Experiences for over 50 years.

This has resulted in contact with hundreds of Experiencers of non-human contact and with those who have had interactions with the unknown. She worked with adjudicated and victimized teens for 23 years. She has managed several businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Human Service, and three Associate degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Paralegal. She is extremely non-judgemental.

A self-proclaimed IT nerd, with a Masters Degree in the field. Not an experiencer himself, but a believer and lover of the UFO Phenomenon. Now the MUFON Assistant State Director for Utah, the coolest state of course ;), and a proud member of the ERT team. When not chasing aliens, he enjoys playing video games, working out, reading, and binge-watching TV. Cats count as kids, right? Then he has two beautiful furry children. Keep watching the skies and here’s to many more years down that ol’ rabbit hole.

Fred Zewe is the Nebraska Assistant State Director since 2020, started attending MUFON meetings in 1990s and became a FI in 2010. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1976 with a BS in Elementary Education, taught 5th/6th Math in Ogden, Iowa, worked 3 years for C&NW Railroad and then graduated from Iowa Western CC in 1982 with an AAS in Electronic Technology. Fred then started work in 1983 for a Government/Defense Contractor as a Field Engineer for E-Systems (now known as L3Harris) in working alongside the USAF RC-135 Rivet Joint Program for 37 years.

Fred spend years in his spiritual studies and meditations with Siddha Yoga, having his first Kundalini experience in Tokyo 1985 and visiting gurus, Sai Baba and Gurumayi in India in 1987. He then started having numerous dreams in his awakening of his ET encounters, though having had a missing time/screen memory experience in 1974 and in his first UFO sighting with an internal message in 1978. He continued in his inner spiritual studies with Theosophy, NLP, Hypnosis and Oneness University/meditations. He enjoys the insights of Quantum Reality, DMT, OBE/NDEs and other altered states of Consciousness. Fred is very excited to be a member of MUFON ERT team in supporting others whom have had ET encounters.

Carol “C.J.” Arabia is a level 3 Field Investigator for Southern California MUFON and a member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team (ERT). She is also an Executive Board member of the Hollywood Disclosure Alliance

Professional photographer and former press correspondent for the daily newspaper Ouest-France, Janny Charrueau obtains MUFON’s investigator’s certification in December 2017. After completing several field surveys, she will be appointed MUFON Quebec’s Director of Investigations in May, 2018. Janny went on to become MUFON’S National Director for France in 2020. After building that chapter significantly, she resigned to dedicate her time to ERT!

Daniel’s undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering led to a BS in Automotive Engineering Technology with a math minor. Work history includes 18 years in heavy construction of Civil Infrastructure projects working as engineering department manager. Ten years as CEO of Civil Works consulting service firm. A 12 year career for a Detroit Defense Contractor working with mechanical sub-systems with specialized training in Six Sigma process improvement. Daniel’s previous work with experiencers includes completion of more than 100 MUFON experiencer cases in Michigan and Illinois utilizing the EQ on many occasions since its inception. A supporting member of a Chicago experiencer group since 2015. A supporting member of a Michigan CE-5 Human Initiated Contact research group. Continuing study of Kundalini Yoga which provides methods of learning emulating some of the Experiencer related experiences such as out of body travel. Daily practice of meditation which emulates self-hypnosis allowing energetic flow into Human Initiated Contact.

Christopher DePerno was born in Ithaca, New York where he then joined the United States Marine Corps, being recruited and selected in the Marine Security Guard Battalion, the bodyguards to American Diplomats and Protection to embassies all over the world. He finished his tour and went back to college to earn a degree in Criminal Justice. At the same time, Mr. DePerno was a member of the Army National Guard, where he was assigned as an Intelligence Sergeant/Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Warfare Technician. Mr. DePerno then joined the Ithaca Police Department and was sent to the FBI Academy to become an Instructor. Mr. DePerno taught at the Broome County Police Academy, where he gave classes on Basic Criminal Investigation. Mr. DePerno was then recruited by the Syracuse Police Department, where he became a Detective. He was first assigned to the Abused Persons Unit, the Rape Task Force, then transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division, where he was a case detective working and solving major crimes. He is a trained professional interviewer and interrogator for the Police Departments. Mr. DePerno finished 25 years of a law enforcement career. He is now retired and enjoying being a Field Investigator and State Director for New York MUFON.

​Nancy is currently the Assistant State Director for MUFON of Kansas. As a Field Investigator Nancy has interviewed witnesses and researched many UFO/High Strange events with a team of highly skilled Kansas MUFON Field Investigators. These investigations along with her own personal experiences span an extraordinary range of phenomena fueling Nancy’s passion for the study of one of the greatest mysteries of our time. Nancy also works with the MUFON Experiencer Research Team or ERT. The “ERT” Team provides a safe place for witnesses to share their stories who have experienced events such as UFO sightings, missing time, interaction with non-humans and a variety of other paranormal events.

Dr. Robert Young is a metaphysicist, parapsychologist and ufologist. He is the UK National Director for MUFON, a member of the SCU, a faculty member of the American Institute Of Parapsychology and a member of the Ghost Club in the UK. His main areas of research are apparitional experiences, hauntings and poltergeist infestations and paralells between ufological and parapsychological phenomena and experience. He also researches all aspects of the UFO phenomenon. Dr. Young also founded and runs the British Ghost Society, The Office Of UFO/UAP Research and The Office Of Parapsychological Research in the UK. Dr. Young is author of the books: Parapsychology, Ghosts And Hauntings (2015) and: Apparitions, Hauntings And Poltergeists (2021).

My name is Anniversary Feinstein. I was employed as a civil servant for 27 years, prior to taking an early retirement in November of 2007. In my last position I worked for the Department of Defense, as the Budget Analyst and Resource Advisor for Foreign Military Sales. I then worked as the Executive Vice President for a financial service company located in the Denver Tech Center. After ten years, I fully retired. I am a wife and mother of three grown children with six grandchildren. I am a contactee who had my first conscious contact in 1981. I have studied UFOs and the contactee experience ever since. I have attended UFO conferences since 1989 (approximately 2 a year). When you have an experience, outside of your reality envelope, you can never learn enough about it. I am also an artist. I love nothing better than creating. I quilt and truly enjoy creating art quilts. I also produce stained glass pieces, turn pens on a lathe, carve wood, turn pottery (love to make free-form angels), and design unique jewelry. I am a MUFON field investigator for Colorado, a CAG, a CAG International, an Assistant Director for South Dakotas and now an ERT. I want to serve the UFO community in every way that I can.

Ken Jordan is currently the State Director for Texas, the Director of the San Antonio MUFON Chapter, a level two Field Investigator and has served as Chief of Investigations and a State Section Director for Texas. He is a retired Army Field Artillery Officer (2014) with 39 years of service to include Special Operations and Counterterrorism. His work with Experiencers as an Investigator is now used as a member of the ERT. Ken lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife of 52 years. He joined MUFON while still on active duty in 2013.

Lynette has studied a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree in Dramatic Art at The University of the Witswatersrand in South Africa. She was a professional actor and dancer for many years, and then continued her studies with a Graduate Diploma in Secondary teaching at Auckland Institute of Technology in New Zealand. She has since then been working as a high school teacher, teaching both dance and drama in New Zealand and presently drama on the Gold Coast, Australia where she resides. Since Lynette was young she has always had an interest in Ufology. Over the last decade, since her first sighting, her interest in the subject has grown and lead her to more research, reading and understanding of the phenomenon. She attends many UFO and consciousness conferences in Australia and is a MUFON field investigator.

Kevin Luengo is a former military and police officer in France whose interest in the UFO phenomenon began at an early age. On November 5, 1990, at the age of three, he witnessed a triangular-shaped unidentified object while at his mother’s workplace, during the widely reported wave of UFO sightings across France that evening. This experience remained with him throughout his life and inspired a lasting desire to better understand the mystery surrounding Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP). His curiosity eventually led him to become a MUFON Field Investigator, where he contributes to the investigation and documentation of reported UFO/UAP cases.

Kevin is also a member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team (ERT), providing support and a respectful listening environment for individuals who report contact, abduction, and other extraordinary experiences. Drawing on his background in the military and law enforcement, Kevin brings an investigative mindset, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to responsible UFO/UAP research.

Before graduating High School I completed the Rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America after 7 years, and Worked for 5 years as a councilor to young adults. After High School I joined the Army National Guard and became a 13 Bravo, Artillery Cannon Crew Member, I did my Basic Training at Fort Sill Oklahoma. I joined MUFON in 2019 and quickly became a Field Investigator. My writing has been published in the MUFON monthly journal about my home state of Pennsylvania.

William McNeff joined the US Army in 1955, where he received training in electronics and graduated in radar repair. He was cleared for Top Secret and worked in Electronic Countermeasures. Bill received a BSEE degree from the University of Nebraska in 1960. His background includes forty years of work for various electronic and computer organizations, including Honeywell, Ceridian, and the Mayo Research Organization in Minnesota. He retired in 2000. He has been avidly interested in subjects on the frontiers of science, including UFOs, since 1947. Bill served as State Director for MUFON in Minnesota for a number of years, and is currently Chief Investigator. He has investigated hundreds of UFO cases, has authored many articles on the subject, and has co-authored a book: “Extraterrestrial Odyssey”.

Hi I am Rusty Hester. I have been in the service industry for 35 years. I have owned a salon for the last 20 years of my career. I joined MUFON in 2018 and became a field investigator in 2022. I recently became a an SSD. I have always had a life long passion for the UFO topic after several unexplained sightings. In edition to ufology, my hobbies are going to nursing homes and hospitals with my therapy dog Blu to visit the sick. I also love swimming, traveling and Broadway plays.

Murray has never seen an alien (that he’s aware of), or any unidentified craft, though he has seen some strange acting lights a few times. He is not an experiencer, but as a lifelong student of this phenomenon, he fully understands the reality of the situation. Murray investigates cases privately as well as being a Field Investigator for MUFON for four years.

Michael Cei serves as the MUFON Chief Investigator for Connecticut, bringing decades of professional experience in law enforcement, forensic engineering, and investigative analysis to his work in the study of UFO/UAP phenomena.

Michael’s fascination with UFOs began in the late 1960s, when, at just ten years old, he spent afternoons reading UFO magazines with friends on his front porch. What began as a childhood curiosity developed into a lifelong interest in unexplained aerial phenomena, scientific investigation, and the search for answers to some of the most intriguing questions surrounding UFO sightings. Long before officially joining MUFON in 2018, Michael actively pursued his interest in UFO research by attending conferences, studying reported encounters, and conducting independent skywatching activities in areas known for UFO sightings, including Pine Bush and the Hudson Valley region of New York. These early experiences helped shape his commitment to firsthand observation, careful documentation, and investigative research.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. A former police officer, he currently works as a Forensic Engineer specializing in crash analysis and accident reconstruction. With more than 30 years of experience providing expert witness testimony, he has developed extensive expertise in evaluating physical evidence, reconstructing complex events, and presenting technical findings with clarity and precision.

His professional background provides a strong foundation for his work with MUFON, where analytical reasoning, objective assessment, and attention to detail are essential to investigating reported UFO/UAP encounters. Michael approaches each investigation with an emphasis on evidence, technical evaluation, and the careful examination of witness testimony. Beyond his professional and investigative pursuits, Michael has attended several courses at the Monroe Institute and received training in Controlled Remote Viewing (CRV), reflecting his broader interest in human perception and unconventional areas of research. He is also an amateur radio operator, holding the distinctive call sign W1UFO, which reflects his longstanding enthusiasm for the UFO phenomenon.

As MUFON Chief Investigator for Connecticut, Michael combines his extensive forensic expertise, law enforcement experience, and lifelong dedication to UFO research to support thorough, responsible, and evidence-based investigations. His multidisciplinary background and commitment to objective inquiry contribute to MUFON’s mission of advancing the scientific understanding of UFO/UAP phenomena.

Shane Hurd has spent his government career in the fields of Civil Engineering, Geographic Information Systems, Information Technologies, and is a graduate of Arizona State University’s Certified Public Manager program. As a member of the space race generation, he has been a lifelong space and science nerd, and sci-fi geek. It was the Phoenix Lights Incident in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona that sparked his interest in UFO’s. Since that time, he has studied the subject and ultimately in 2015 joined MUFON, then became a Field Investigator in 2017. He is now a Star Team member and was recently appointed Assistant State Director for Arizona MUFON. In June of 2020 he published his first book entitled “Unidentified Aerial Phenomena: A beginners guide to researching UFOs”. He is a musician, a car guy, amateur astronomer, horse owner, and enjoys a good bourbon now and then.

Fernanda Pires is an international UFO/UAP researcher, investigator, writer, producer, graphic designer, and communications professional based in Canada. Originally from Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, she has been involved in UFO/UAP research since 1997, combining decades of experience in international collaboration, investigation, communications, and organizational leadership. She serves as MUFON’s Director of International Development and Regional Director for Canada, Central America, and South America. A Certified Field Investigator (CFI-3), she is also a member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team (ERT). Her work is grounded in evidence-based investigation, witness-centered research, international cooperation, and public education. Through scientific principles, critical analysis, and multidisciplinary methods, she seeks to advance a rigorous and informed understanding of UFO/UAP phenomena.

As Director of International Development, she helps strengthen MUFON’s global presence by supporting international leadership and teams, building relationships across countries and regions, expanding membership and investigative capacity, improving accessibility and communication, and fostering cooperation among researchers, investigators, organizations, and communities worldwide. She is the Founder and President of CIFE – Scientific Channel of UFO Phenomena & Space Research, as well as the creator and editor of the MUFON Canada website. She also serves as a Special Adviser, columnist, and reviewer for Revista Fenômeno OVNI, and as an Associate of the Brazilian Commission of Ufologists (CBU). Her international media and production credits include Co-Producer, Field Translator, and Transcriber for James Fox’s documentary Moment of Contact; Producer of Encounters Latin America: We Are Not Alone; and Researcher and Investigator for Esquadrão UFO, a History Channel Brazil series. Her professional work also extends to producing, screenwriting, graphic design, and communications. She develops graphic design and communication materials for UFO organizations around the world, including the official materials for the 2026 MUFON International Symposium. As co-author of Incident in Varginha, she has contributed to publications, documentaries, research projects, and field investigations in Canada, Brazil, and internationally. Her articles have appeared in UFO-related magazines and journals, including a MUFON Journal cover feature. She also writes for the MUFON Canada website, the MUFON Newsletter, and MUFON.com alongside Bob Spearing. Through research, investigation, media, communications, and international cooperation, she remains committed to advancing evidence-based, scientifically informed inquiry into UAP while building meaningful bridges among researchers, investigators, witnesses, organizations, and the scientific community worldwide.

Linda has been a certified field investigator with MUFON since 2019 and is currently Assistant National Director for Ireland. Her first sighting was in 1999 over Killiney bay, Dublin Ireland in broad daylight. She witnessed 2 bright lights hovering over the sea when suddenly, the lights went out and she observed 2 metallic disc shaped objects that rose together in synchronization and shot off into the clouds.

She has spent the last 20+ years researching the phenomenon.

Kathleen Wyer has a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a Masters in Education in Design, Communications, and Technology Education. She utilized her education and project management skills to teach multiple Washington State Employees and the Judiciary on new statewide systems, laws, and policies. She has been a Certified Field Investigator for Washington State since 2015.

I live in the central coast of southern California. I’ve been a Mufon member since 2003 and a Field Investigator for the last 10 years. I keep myself informed with the latest literature, books and news on the ufo/uap phenomena. I’ve been too been several UFO conferences including Mufon symposiums. I’m an experiencer since childhood and my interest in ufology began when my memories surfaced back in 2002. I have no way of knowing if I’m part of a generation of experiencers however I don’t think this is the case. They say it can be related to occupations. This is the only explanation I can come up which might connect me to ET. My father taught machine shop at the University of Chicago before he was shipped out to the Pacific during WW2. His roommate was Enrico Fermi, one of the members of the Manhattan project. I’ve been an active hiker most of my life and a long time member of the Sierra Club. I have volunteered for years with a public service support group. I’ve worked in the television and the travel business. I am married and my wife has four children and 3 grandchildren. I have a brother living in Colorado with his wife.

During my formative years, I grew up in an air force family, where we lived on bases in Europe as well as on Long Island, NY, and, finally, in Florida. I graduated from Florida State University with a BA in Criminology and I have a Masters Degree in Leadership from Bellevue University. I also have a Project Management Certificate from the University of California-Irvine. I retired in 2012 from policing, as a police captain, after 27 years in law enforcement, which included 3 years as a parole and probation officer and 3 years as a Border Patrol Agent. Currently, My wife and I have two adult children, and we live on a small boutique farm where we grow flowers, raise animals, and enjoy county canyon living. I have been a MUFON field investigator for the last year, I hold a current private investigator’s license in California, and I have been a avid researcher in the study of science related to the subject of Ufology for the last 50 years.

Rebecca Villar (Becky) is a retired Nurse and currently works as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki and QHHT practitioner. She has been a Florida MUFON Field Investigator since 2021, and joined the MUFON ERT in 2022.She has always been interested Sci-Fi tops, even as a young child. Becky is an avid reader in topics of Ufology, Near Death Experiences, Higher Consciousness and Philosophy. She enjoys photography, and has self-studied Orb photography since 2008. She also enjoys playing the wind flute and hand drum.

John Street serves as the MUFON Assistant State Director for Indiana, a Field Investigator, an RMS Coordinator, and a member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team (ERT). With a diverse professional background spanning law enforcement, industrial engineering, manufacturing, and technical operations, John brings valuable practical experience, analytical skills, and a disciplined approach to UFO/UAP investigations.

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, John graduated from Valley High School in 1977. Throughout his professional career, he has held positions requiring technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and a strong commitment to operational efficiency and safety.

John worked as a Millwright for Ford Motor Company, gaining hands-on experience with industrial machinery, mechanical systems, and manufacturing operations. He later served for four years as a Deputy Sheriff in Louisville, Kentucky, where he developed experience in law enforcement procedures, observation, investigative practices, and public service.

Building upon his technical background, John also spent ten years working as an Injection Molding Process Engineer. In this role, he gained extensive experience with manufacturing processes, equipment performance, technical troubleshooting, and process optimization. His combined experience in engineering and law enforcement provides a valuable foundation for evaluating evidence, analyzing complex situations, and approaching investigations with objectivity and attention to detail.

John joined MUFON as a Field Investigator in 2020, bringing his professional experience and investigative interests to the organization’s mission of studying UFO/UAP phenomena. His dedication to the field led to his involvement with MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team in 2024, expanding his contributions to include support for individuals reporting unusual or unexplained experiences.

In addition to his investigative responsibilities, John currently serves as the Assistant State Director for MUFON Indiana and as an RMS Coordinator, contributing to the organization and coordination of investigative activities. His leadership responsibilities reflect his continued commitment to supporting MUFON’s investigative network and maintaining professional standards in case management.

Through his work with MUFON, John combines his background in mechanical systems, engineering, and law enforcement with a practical, methodical approach to investigating unexplained phenomena. His commitment to careful documentation, objective analysis, and respectful communication with witnesses and experiencers supports MUFON’s mission of advancing the systematic and evidence-based investigation of UFO/UAP reports.

John is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas, a field investigator since 2021, and a member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team (ERT). With extensive experience in providing emotional and psychological support, he brings a unique perspective to the team, helping individuals process the often profound and challenging nature of their experiences. While ERT does not offer formal counseling, John is attuned to how such experiences can be both traumatic and transformative, and he approaches each case with sensitivity and respect. His professional background allows him to offer a safe space for individuals seeking understanding and validation of their extraordinary encounters.

A member of MUFON since 2017, Michael Dagenais is Assistant State Director of Nevada and also serves as a Field Investigator and member of the Experiencer Resource Team.

Michael is a retired operations executive from the theme park, museum, and event industries. He currently works as a tax preparer / tax advisor in Las Vegas, NV and is enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of California, San Diego and a MA in Liberal Arts (Museum Studies) from the University of Oklahoma.

Michael is a volunteer with MicroMentor by Mercy Corps, mentoring and advising entrepreneurs around the globe wishing to start and grow their own businesses. He is an Ordained Ministerial Counselor of Pathways of Light and a Certified Hypnotist Member in Good Standing with the National Guild of Hypnotists, Inc.

Michael’s goal is to help individuals come to terms with their experiences by providing a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgemental opportunity to be heard.

Michelle Oulette has always had a vast interest in the phenomenon, and is dedicated to the investigative process of assisting and investigating reported sightings submitted by witnesses and experiencers. Michelle is a Certified Field Investigator  and is also a member of the Mufon Experiencer Resource Team. Over 40 years of past corporate work experience, as Director of Sales and VP of Sales for major telecom companies, and is currently associated with a global real estate company.

Sue Countiss serves as a MUFON Section Director and Field Investigator for Washington State, bringing extensive scientific expertise, investigative experience, and a longstanding interest in UFO/UAP phenomena. She is also a former MUFON Nevada State Director and a member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team (ERT), where her background in scientific research and hypnotherapy contributes to her work with individuals reporting unusual experiences.

Sue joined MUFON in 2012 following a distinguished 27-year career in scientific research, specializing in radiation safety, environmental remediation, and the investigation of sites affected by radiation-related research activities. Throughout her career, she was involved in teaching, research, and the management of complex scientific projects requiring technical precision, careful analysis, and strict safety standards.

Among her professional accomplishments, Sue served as Project Manager for the remediation of the original site associated with the first two nuclear reactors at Argonne National Laboratory. This work reflects her experience in overseeing technically demanding projects and addressing complex environmental and scientific challenges.

In addition to her scientific career, Sue is a licensed Hypnotherapist who has worked with clients since 1997, incorporating Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques and regression hypnosis into her practice. Her experience in this field has contributed to her interest in human perception, memory, and the personal experiences reported by individuals encountering unexplained phenomena.

Sue’s interests extend beyond UFO/UAP investigations to include paranormal research and the broader study of unusual experiences. Her diverse professional background allows her to bring together scientific methodology, analytical thinking, and an understanding of the human aspects of investigative work.

Through her continued involvement with MUFON, Sue combines her technical knowledge, leadership experience, and enthusiasm for research with a commitment to responsible investigation and compassionate support for witnesses and experiencers. Her dedication to exploring unanswered questions reflects her enduring curiosity and commitment to MUFON’s mission of advancing the scientific study of UFO/UAP phenomena.

Dev has over 45 years of UFO research and investigative experience. She became interested in UFOs at an early age and has had many UFO sightings. In January of 2008, she joined MUFON and became the Oregon MUFON Chief Investigator. Moving back to Northern California in early 2010, she joined NorCal MUFON and became the Assistant State Director, a title she held for over ten years. She is now the State Director. In 2021, Dev released her book, UFO Investigator: A Personal Look into Circumstance, Investigations and Discovery.

Linda Rafuse is MUFON Canada’s National Director, a Certified Field Investigator, MUFON’s Regional Director for Asia, and a member of the MUFON Experiencer Resource Team (ERT).

A seasoned investigator with a lifelong curiosity about the unknown, Linda has called southwestern Nova Scotia home for more than 50 years. Her interest in Ufology and the mysteries of the universe began in childhood, following personal encounters with two UAPs. Those experiences inspired a lasting commitment to learning, inquiry, and investigation.

With 35 years of experience in the museum field, Linda recently retired after managing both a year-round county museum and a seasonal Nova Scotia Museum site. Her professional background reflects a deep appreciation for history, preservation, public education, and careful research.

In 2024, Linda was appointed MUFON Canada National Director. She continues to bring her investigative experience, organizational leadership, and dedication to supporting witnesses and advancing the responsible study of UFO/UAP phenomena.

Dr. Pam Murray is an author, speaker and life coach. She has written five books and hundreds of articles, and has travelled the world, teaching and speaking. For 7 years she hosted a television interview show. Some of her guests were experiencers, which piqued her interest in this area. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages and a Masters and Doctorate in Divinity/Metaphysics.” X

Alan B. Smith was born in NJ and now resides in the Hudson Valley, NY. He is a MUFON Field Investigator in NY with a lifelong interest in ufological related phenomena. As a podcast host since 2016 Alan has interviewed many experiencers and researchers which inspired his willingness to be of service to those who have had close encounter experiences; and to help contribute toward the improvement of our understanding of the phenomena. He independently studies UFOs/UAP through his podcast, Coffee & UFOs and by writing on the subject, including contributing articles to The Un-X Magazine

Dana Simpson West has been a Certified Field Investigator for MUFON since 2011 and as State Section Director for Eastern Missouri, has investigated over 150 cases. With a passion for the mysterious, Dana has worked at Pathways as a professional Tarot reader since 1998 and is certified in Delores Cannon’s Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), which she has practiced since 2014. She has conducted several local UAV presentations, teaches classes in metaphysics, and has facilitated a local Experiencer
support group.
Dana received her Master’s degree from Maryville University and worked as a high school teacher for 30 years. She also worked for Performance Learning Systems as a course developer of Master’s classes for teachers and has conducted numerous professional development workshops and classes. Lending knowledge and understanding to life’s enigmatic events has always been her passion and purpose.

Mary Jane Kuehner lives in Calera, Alabama, about 30 minutes south of Birmingham. She has a Bachelor & #39’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also has a Masters Degree in
Communication Management and 25 hours towards a Masters Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has had a life long interest in NHI and unexplained objects.

Rhonda Green is a MUFON Level 3 Field Investigator and a member of the MUFON Experiencer Resource Team (ERT). She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from UCLA and has built a successful career as a designer, artist, entrepreneur, and business owner. She has also served on numerous charitable boards.

Driven by a lifelong curiosity about the cosmos and the UAP phenomenon, Rhonda became a MUFON investigator with a commitment to objective investigation and compassionate support. She believes every
witness and experiencer deserves to be treated with respect, empathy, and an open mind. Her goal is to help people feel heard while carefully evaluating each case with professionalism, integrity, and critical thinking.
Rhonda is dedicated to continual learning and expanding her understanding of the phenomenon in service to
MUFON’s mission

Tammy Hall grew up in the Central and Finger Lakes Region of NY.  She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.B.A.  Her career has been spent working in sales,engineering and global sourcing positions for industrial gas, capital equipment, and glass manufacturing corporations .  She also dabbled in real estate and investment properties for 10 years.  She joined MUFON in 2023 after several unusual experiences.  Tammy is currently a Certified Field Investigator Level 3 in North Carolina and a new member of the ERT.

Ryan joined MUFON in 2024 and quickly became a field investigator in the state of Pennsylvania. He has spent his professional career in the fields of history, archives, and records management. He is a graduate of West Chester University with a B.A. in history.
Growing up in the 1990’s X-files generation he had an interest in the phenomena from a
young age which quickly grew into a life long study of UAP’s and the phenomena.

Bill Konkolesky

Bill Konkolesky has been State Director of the Michigan Chapter of MUFON since 2004. What originally led him to join MUFON in the 1990’s is his search for answers about his lifetime of personal contact encounters.

David Glidewell

David Glidewell lives in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina.  David enjoys running for exercise and researching and traveling to see Native American earthworks and mounds, such as the Newark earthworks, serpent mound and also petroglyphs such as the Leo and Chaco Canyon petroglyphs.  David earned a BS in education from the University of Tennessee and a MSA from Central Michigan University.  David retired from the Department of the Army as a civil servant.  During his working career, David was a program analyst and a certified Operations Research System analyst.  His primary function was the program analysis and evaluation of the Department of Army major programs and was responsible for the annual submission of the Dept of the Army’s Future Years Defense program to Congress.  David is a MUFON field investigator and is a former State Director of North Carolina.

Elaine Wartha Motta is a certified MUFON Field Investigator with MUFON Brazil and the International CAG, with a background in Nursing  and a specialization in Forensic Psychology. She works as a forensic investigator analyzing UAP cases and also serves as a contributor for Revista Fenômeno OVNI. Her trajectory includes active participation in the “Marte Revelado” Project, as well as studies and training with Ademar Gevaerd, Thiago Ticchetti, and Marco Antonio Petit, who strongly influenced her research path. She has a special interest in the interface between consciousness, anomalous phenomena, and experiencer related events. Elaine also holds training in digital forensics, investigative analysis, and facial micro-expressions. Her commitment is to provide compassionate support to experiencers and deliver detailed, rigorous investigations for MUFON and the ERT.

Eric Hartwig grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts where it all began. Minuteman Vocational High School Class of 1982, Certificate in Machine Shop. 1982-2012 Professional Screen Printer. 2016 MUFON Field Investigator then State Director specializing in Photo/Video Analysis and Telephone Interviewing. 2025 joined the ERT (Experiencer Resource Team)

Melvin Bing Lee is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force who served as Head Personnel for 1st Division and held various administrative and human resource leadership positions for more than two decades. He also possess a Masters in Human Capital Management (MHCM) from Singapore University of Social Sciences and studying for a Masters of Arts in Counseling (MAC) from TCA College, Singapore. He is currently serving as an Administrative Director in a local church. He is a level 3 Field Investigator and ERT with MUFON

Steve Foss, a Pittsburgh native and long-time resident of Jacksonville, Florida, is the MUFON Chief Investigator for the state of Florida, Regional Director for the Middle East, a former CMS Coordinator, and now a new member of the MUFON ERT. In these roles, Steve has overseen roughly 450 cases over the past several years specializing in case analysis and field investigations. With his extensive experience in the MUFON CMS and case management, Steve has lent his knowledge and skills in helping to train and develop many field investigators both in his state and in others as well.

With strong organizational skills, he has maintained Florida as the number one state in the US for case assignments and completions month in and month out per the monthly reports from the DOI. While working the UFO Investigations for MUFON, Steve has also studied and received multiple certificates in Remote Viewing, Remote Healing, and Remote Influencing. Steve attended Allegheny College and The University of North Florida and has been a restaurant entrepreneur for decades. He is currently working with his partners in Florida to open a new restaurant concept by the end of 2025. His previous endeavors as and owner and COO of a larger restaurant group included overseeing roughly 70 highly successful locations and a team of 1200 team members up and down the east coast of the US.

He and his wife Cindy have been married for 38 years, have two grown daughters and are building their dream home on the fishing waters in St. Augustine, Florida.

Thomas Gerlach is a technology expert with 30 years experience in computers and radio and satellite communications systems. Tom has extensive software development experience including cloud, mobile, and artificial intelligence applications as well as performing penetration tests for businesses. He served in Military Intelligence with the US Army for 6 years and holds an Associate’s Degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development, a Master’s of Business Administration in Information Technology Management, and is currently writing his dissertation for a PhD. in Criminal Justice / Homeland Security. Tom has an Extra Class Ham Radio License, an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, and is currently studying to become a Private Pilot. During the 90’s, Tom was a fan of the hit TV show “The X Files” which led him to pursue investigating unexplained phenomena through MUFON where he has been a Field Investigator since 2021.
While Tom has never seen a UFO, he is no stranger to unexplained phenomena. During his teenaged years,
Tom was active in the occult where he experienced numerous unexplained events.

Walt Beerman is a State Section Director for the MUFON Washington Chapter and lives in the Seattle area. He joined MUFON in 2018 after retiring from a career in finance and real estate mortgage banking. Walt holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of South Florida’s School of Business. During his fifty-year career in mortgage banking, he spent twenty-five years as the owner of his own mortgage brokerage firm. Earlier in his career, during the Cold War, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at an NSA site in Berlin.

Valerie Benko

I am a Field Investigator and a Prior Star Team Member with MUFON. I became a FI in 2015 after myself and two other people came in close contact with a huge Triangular-shaped Craft. I just recently joined the ERT Team. I am currently a Support Group Leader with the Alpha 1 Foundation since 2015.

I am originally from Laramie, WY, where I attended the University there. For the last 25 years, I have resided in Rocklin, CA. I am a previous business owner of Rocky Mountain Impressions. I have a love for Photography and have sold many prints. Some of my work can be seen at
https://www.pixoto.com/vjbeads. My previous jobs included a position with Ark Industries Laramie, WY as an instructor where I assisted individuals with developmental disabilities. I was in charge of running the print shop. I also have experience as a teacher’s aide working with disabled children through the School District in Casper, Wyoming. My hobbies are photography, crafts, beadwork, and spending time in nature.

Heidy Acevedo serves as the MUFON State Section Director for Southwest Florida and a certified MUFON Field Investigator. Her fascination with UFOs and unexplained phenomena began in childhood, eventually evolving into active field research in 2012, when she began investigating paranormal activity and reported hauntings. Following her own UFO sighting and personal experiencer encounter in 2023, she broadened her investigative focus to include UFO/UAP phenomena and anomalous experiences. She also serves as a Lead Investigator with Afterlife Allstars.

Professionally, Heidy brings extensive experience in engineering team management, information technology operations, cybersecurity, and executive leadership. Her multidisciplinary background provides a strong foundation for analytical thinking, technical investigation, and evidence-based research. Beyond her professional and investigative pursuits, Heidy is a dedicated advocate for autism awareness, understanding, and support. As the mother of two neurodivergent children, she brings a deeply personal perspective to the importance of empathy, patience, and individualized communication.

Through her work with MUFON, Heidy combines her technical expertise, operational leadership, and commitment to compassionate advocacy. Her investigative approach emphasizes rigorous data collection, careful analysis, and objective documentation while ensuring that witnesses and experiencers are treated with professionalism, respect, and understanding.

Shay Klingbiel is the Alaska State Director for MUFON, a certified Field Investigator, and an organizer of the MUFON Alaska Northern Lights Chapter. Shay earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University in 2018. Before joining MUFON in 2022, she spent more than 20 years independently researching UAP, cryptid, and paranormal phenomena. She became a MUFON Field Investigator in 2024. She is also a member of CAG and is honoured and excited to be part of the ERT.  As an experiencer of UAP phenomena herself, Shay brings both a personal and investigative perspective to the subject.

Her firsthand experiences have deepened her commitment to understanding the unknown and exploring what these phenomena could mean for humanity, consciousness, and our perception of reality.

Elf Angel Raynor is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and MUFON Field Investigator with over a decade of professional experience in mental health and psychological counseling. Her multidisciplinary background combines clinical expertise, academic achievement, and a strong interest in understanding human experiences, behavior, and unexplained phenomena. She holds master’s degrees in International Business, Mental Health Counseling, and Forensic Psychology, providing her with a diverse educational foundation that bridges psychological science, human behavior, and analytical research. Throughout her professional career, Elf has developed expertise in trauma, regression hypnosis, anxiety, and depression, with a particular emphasis on understanding complex psychological experiences and supporting individuals through sensitive and often deeply personal circumstances.

Fluent in both English and Turkish, Elf brings a valuable multicultural perspective to her work, allowing her to approach individuals from different cultural and personal backgrounds with sensitivity, empathy, and understanding. Her experience in mental health counseling has strengthened her ability to listen attentively, evaluate complex situations, and provide thoughtful, compassionate support.

In addition to her clinical and academic accomplishments, Elf has a background in creative writing and research, reflecting her intellectual curiosity and interest in exploring the relationship between human consciousness, perception, memory, and extraordinary experiences.

Through her involvement with MUFON, Elf brings together her knowledge of psychology, clinical hypnotherapy, and investigative research to contribute a thoughtful, balanced perspective to the study of UFO/UAP phenomena and experiencer-related reports. Her approach emphasizes careful listening, professional integrity, critical thinking, and respect for the individuals who come forward to share their experiences.

Fred Richards serves as the MUFON State Director for Maine and is a dedicated Field Investigator with seven years of experience investigating UFO/UAP reports and unexplained aerial phenomena.

A United States Navy veteran, Fred continues his professional service to the Navy as a Logistics Manager, bringing extensive experience in logistics, organizational management, and operational coordination. He earned an Associate Degree in Information Systems from Andover College in 2003, further strengthening his technical and analytical background.

Raised in the Northern Adirondack region of New York, Fred developed a personal interest in the UFO phenomenon following an experience during the winter of 1977. This encounter sparked a lasting curiosity about unexplained aerial sightings and the broader questions surrounding the UFO phenomenon, eventually inspiring him to become actively involved in field investigation.

Throughout his years with MUFON, Fred has combined his military background, technical knowledge, and investigative experience to approach UFO/UAP reports with objectivity, attention to detail, and a commitment to evidence-based research. His professional experience has helped shape a disciplined and methodical approach to evaluating witness accounts and documenting unusual events.

As Maine State Director, Fred remains committed to MUFON’s mission of advancing the scientific study of UFO/UAP phenomena through careful investigation, responsible documentation, and a continued pursuit of understanding the unexplained.

Mike Riso serves as a State Section Director for Southern California MUFON and is a member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team (ERT). A lifelong student of the UFO/UAP phenomenon, he brings both a strong personal interest and firsthand perspective to his work with the organization.

Mike’s interest in the subject deepened after witnessing UFOs on two separate occasions during his lifetime. These experiences, along with other events that challenged conventional scientific explanations, inspired him to become more actively involved in serious investigation and research. He joined MUFON as an investigator with the goal of helping document, examine, and better understand reports of anomalous phenomena.

Through his work with MUFON, Mike is committed to approaching each case with objectivity, respect, and careful attention to the experiencer’s account. As a member of the ERT, he also recognizes the importance of providing a supportive and informed point of contact for individuals whose experiences may be difficult to process or explain.

Daniel Nichols is a lifelong experiencer whose enduring curiosity about the unknown led him to explore anomalous phenomena from both a personal and professional perspective. Over the past decade, he has built a career in media and post-production, developing a strong understanding of visual storytelling, digital communication, and the responsible presentation of complex experiences.

Daniel has shared accounts of his own unusual encounters through social media and podcast appearances, engaging thoughtfully with others who are navigating similar questions. His firsthand experiences have given him a deep appreciation for how challenging and sometimes isolating it can be to process events that do not fit easily within conventional explanations.

He joined MUFON in 2024 as a Field Investigator and now serves as a member of the Experiencer Resource Team. In this role, Daniel is committed to offering a respectful, supportive, and informed point of contact for experiencers seeking to better understand and process their encounters.

Amy Bond serves as the State Director for MUFON Idaho and is a dedicated member of MUFON’s Experiencer Resource Team. A lifelong experiencer, Amy’s personal encounters with non-human intelligence have shaped her commitment to supporting others who are seeking understanding, clarity, and respectful guidance after unusual experiences. She approaches this work with empathy, thoughtful inquiry, and a strong respect for each individual’s unique story.

With more than three decades of experience in the health care field, Amy brings a valuable understanding of human behavior, trauma responses, and compassionate support. Her professional background helps her create a safe, grounded, and nonjudgmental environment in which experiencers can feel heard, validated, and supported while navigating complex encounters.

In addition to her work with MUFON, Amy is an intuitive artist and public speaker. She is committed to helping foster a stigma-free and empowering community where experiencers can explore their experiences with confidence, care, and connection.

Josh Rutledge is a MUFON Field Investigator and member of the Experiencer Resource Team (ERT), dedicated to supporting witnesses through compassionate listening, structured investigation, and careful documentation of anomalous encounters. He approaches each case with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to ensuring that experiencers feel heard, respected, and taken seriously.

Josh holds a Master’s degree in Psychology (Research), which provides a strong foundation in evidence-based analysis, human behavior, and critical thinking. In his professional career, he works in analytics and process improvement, specializing in translating complex data into clear, actionable insights. This systems-oriented perspective strengthens his investigative work by emphasizing pattern recognition, documentation integrity, and methodical case review.

Within MUFON, Josh focuses on experiencer intake and support, conducting grounded and respectful interviews while carefully examining cases involving high strangeness, environmental anomalies, and reported consciousness-related components. He recognizes that these experiences can be deeply personal and sometimes challenging to discuss, and he works to provide a calm, safe, and nonjudgmental space for witnesses to share what they have encountered.

Josh believes that effective investigation begins with careful listening and accurate documentation. His goal is to balance objective analysis with genuine compassion, helping ensure that every experiencer is treated with professionalism, dignity, and respect.