Founder & CEO

Joe Franke

Founder and CEO of the Warren Society for Paranormal Research and Education, Joe Franke, is a world-renowned, highly respected veteran within the paranormal community, boasting a remarkable career spanning four decades. His dedication to thorough research and exploration of supernatural phenomena has made him a leading expert in this captivating field. Joe’s journey into the paranormal realm began in September 1986 when he was invited to become an apprentice to the legendary psychic researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren, who are known for their groundbreaking work studying the supernatural.

Under the Warrens’ guidance, Joe developed a deep understanding of the complexities of paranormal activity. He honed his skills in various areas, including paranormal investigation, demonology, and spiritual counseling. Throughout his extensive career, he has taken on the role of a consultant for numerous cases, assisting families struggling with paranormal disturbances and helping them reclaim their peace of mind. His compassionate approach and in-depth knowledge have allowed him to empower countless individuals to confront their fears and navigate challenging situations.

As Joe’s expertise grew, so did his recognition in the paranormal community. He has become a sought- after speaker and lecturer, sharing his extensive knowledge with audiences across the United States. Joe takes great pride in educating others about the paranormal realm’s often misunderstood and dangerous aspects. His lectures typically cover a broad range of topics, from debunking common myths to discussing real-life experiences and case studies highlighting the complexities of paranormal phenomena.

Today, his peers widely regard Joe as one of the field’s most experienced, knowledgeable, and respected paranormal investigators. His commitment to truth and his dedication to helping others have established him as a true warrior in the pursuit of understanding the supernatural. Joe strives to illuminate the shadows surrounding the paranormal through his ongoing work, fostering an informed and cautious approach to those seeking to explore this enigmatic world.

Chief Research Officer

Heather Leigh, PhD

Heather Leigh, PhD Heather Leigh’s passion for the paranormal began in her teens following a series of unexplained encounters with the spirit of her late grandfather. Since then, she has dedicated her life to exploring haunted locations, uncovering their histories, investigating paranormal claims, and seeking connections between the two. She believes in a balanced approach to the unknown—encouraging both open-minded curiosity and scientific investigations.

Heather holds a (double) Doctor of Philosophy in Metaphysical Humanistic Science, with a specialization in Paranormal Science and ParaAnthropology, from the Institute of Metaphysical and Humanistic Science. Her mission is to guide others toward a more evidence-based, research-driven approach to paranormal investigations while still respecting the mysterious and unexplained.

She is the founder of Exploration Paranormal, based in Texas, and The Witches Paranormal Society, both of which investigate and research reported hauntings across the U.S.

An accomplished author, Heather has written several titles for The History Press’s Haunted America series, including:

Ghosts of Southern Nevada Ghost Towns

Ghosts and Legends of the Vegas Valley

Haunted Florida Lighthouses

Haunted Florida Ghost Towns

Haunted Florida Roadside Attractions

Ghosts and Legends of Florida Pirates

She also self-published 13 Things Ghost Hunting Taught Me About Network Marketing and has written numerous eBooks exploring paranormal travel, haunted history, and investigation techniques. Her articles, lectures, and classes continue to educate and inspire both seasoned investigators and curious beginners. Her newest book – Civil War Spirits of Florida – will be released in 2026.

Heather is the host of the Exploring the Paranormal vodcast, airing on Facebook, YouTube, Paralanx TV (formerly PUN TV), and THINGS Network. She also co-hosts Ghost Education 101, a show dedicated to in-depth paranormal discussion and education.

In addition to teaching paranormal classes at Truckee Meadows Community College, she frequently speaks at libraries, conventions, and community events.

Her team, Exploration Paranormal, has been featured in multiple documentaries by Motion Picture Video, including Real Haunts: Ghost Towns, Real Haunts 3, Real Haunts 4, and the upcoming Real Haunts: All Stars. Heather also appeared on the 2023 Ghost Adventures episode “Lake of Death” and will be appearing in an episode of Haunted Discoveries: Family Spirits in 2025.

To connect with Heather or learn more about her work, visit www.explorationparanormal.com, email her at heather.leigh73@gmail.com, or follow her on Facebook:

@DrHeatherLeigh

@ExplorationParanormal

@ExploringtheParanormalShow

www.explorationparanormal.com

Social Media Manager

Brittany Fournier

Brittany Fournier has been a member of PERS since 2023, and is excited to join the Warren Society. Fournier is a documentarian, and keeps this foundation when working in the paranormal field. Fournier loves a good public investigation, but knows she is put on this plane to help others. Brittany Fournier works with children during the day, and at night you may find her photographing her favourite band, or waiting to discover the undiscovered. She is a paranormal investigator that is afraid of the dark, an eclectic personality with a peculiar taste, intuitive, and here to help. Fournier was raised and remains Roman Catholic but deviated slightly to hone instinctual skills.

Admin Team

Heather Ryan

I am a psychic and empath with clairaudient, clairvoyant, claircognizance and mediumship abilities. My gifts became apparent when I was a child, and I often would know things were going to happen before they did. When I was 14, I knew when my grandmother had passed before being told, and that ability has followed me into adulthood and was the catalyst for my search for answers about the afterlife.

As an adult, I found that each home I lived in was actively haunted, which eventually led me to seek out the assistance of the Connecticut Paranormal Research Society, which I eventually became a member of and actively investigated cases with under the direction of my friend and mentor, Joe Franke. Through Joe, I had the honor of meeting and befriending his mentor, Lorraine Warren, whose insight into my abilities – and with her careful guidance along with Joe’s extensive knowledge and experience— allowed me to expand my understanding of all aspects of the paranormal and further ignited my passion for helping people who are experiencing supernatural phenomena in their own lives.

Admin Team

Jerri Holt

As long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the paranormal. After growing up in a haunted house in Iowa, I continued to have countless experiences in almost every place i’ve lived across the states. This has led me to continue my search to explain the events that occurred there and expand my knowledge in all areas of the unexplained, as well as diving into my own spirituality.

My focus is historical and residential hauntings, but I also have a keen interest in cryptids, as well. This truly is a passion of mine and i’m so excited to be able to help and put my passion to good use. In addition to investigating, I’m also a big fan of the horror genre, love going to the mountains, have a son I adore, and work in housing and travel. I am also a member of the Warren legacy Foundation for Paranormal Research.

Society Member

Bob Wilson