Michael Robare - Founder
Mike first got interested in the paranormal after growing up in a haunted house in the Detroit area. After moving to Columbus in 1989, Mike also experienced a few paranormal encounters throughout a 10 year span at a relative's home in a Columbus suburb. After reading many books on ghosts, and paranormal research, he decided to form his own investigation group, in June of 2004, and has been involved with many media outlets, as well as running organized investigations for just over three years, along with his wife Gena, who have been happily married for 18 years, and have two wonderful teenage kids.
Mike is a machinist by trade, and a union representative at his current place of employment. He also enjoys fishing, movies, music of all kinds, Civil, and Revolutionary war history.
Gena Robare, Co-Founder
Gena helped found COPS, along with her husband Mike. She has had many experiences as a child, and as an adult. She brings a skeptical, no nonsense approach, and tells it like she sees it. Gena is also the group's photographer, and has a keen ear for listening to audio that is captured on investigations.
Gena has been happily married to Mike for 18 years, and works from home. She, along with Mike, has been actively investigating the paranormal for over five years.
Randy Garrison - Co-Founder
Randy, along with Mike and Gena, helped found COPS. Randy has a very sensible approach to the paranormal, and his strong physical presence is always an asset, when going into some of the rougher neighborhoods, for residential cases. Being a believer, and a skeptic, Randy brings a great set of eyes and ears to our evidence review process.
Randy has been best of friends with Mike since 1990, and currently works as a supervisor in an assembly department, where he and Mike both work. Randy has been happily married for close to 10 years, and has four lovely children.
Sam Clark - Investigator
Sam joined COPS in late spring of 2006. Sam has always been curious about the paranormal, and even conducted a few investigations with a friend, before joining COPS. Sam brings his passion to learn more about the paranormal, and great computer skills to COPS.
With just over a year of investigations under his belt, Sam is a great investigator, and has a good head on his shoulders. Whether its driving the team to cases, or purchasing new equipment, Sam gives 110% to COPS. He also works part-time, and is seeking a seat in his local city council.
John Ciochetty - Investigator
John is a Public Safety Officer at Ohio Wesleyan University. After being featured with Mike in an article in the Columbus Dispatch, John, and Mike started talking, and started investigating the stories of hauntings at the university. John currently works the night shift at OWU, and practically investigates every night.
He currently has a new book out titled "The Ghosts of Stuyvesant Hall and Beyond" Vol. 1. This book is basically a collection of stories, personal experiences, and investigations, that have taken place at the university.
Andrea McEnaney - Investigator
Andrea joined COPS in April of 2008. She has had a long time fascination with the paranormal, and wanted to see what it was all about. She brings a level head during investigations, and is quick to rule out the obvious. Just being a new investigator to our team, we think she is a great addition.
Andrea currently works as an office manager, at a major university,
based in the Columbus area. She is also the creator of the funny web based comic strip,
The Adventures of Chad Cleanley
John Garcia - Investigator
Another new addition the the team in April of 2008, John joined with a very scientific approach to the paranormal. He also has a knack for tools, electronics, and gadgetry, which should give us another great investigator. He also has extensive knowledge of computers, networks, and software.
John is currently the head of the IT team at a local university, here in Columbus.
Eric Ewing - Case Manager and Investigator
Eric joined COPS in November, 2008, after spending several years with another local organization. He was introduced to founder Mike Robare via networking within the TAPS Family, and was impressed by COPS' professionalism, non-sensationalism, and dedication to its clients.
Eric's interest in the paranormal began at a very young age, brought up hearing tales of family members' very own "ghostly" encounters. While a believer at the core, Eric is nonetheless skeptical of most paranormal claims and prefers investigative techniques which adhere as closely as possible to the scientific method.
Eric's primary academic interest lies in the overlap between parapsychology and theology (or religious philosophy), believing some of the most convincing evidence for both fields to be found in the commonalities between the two. While intrigued by all solid evidence of paranormal activity, he expresses a particular fondness for electronic voice phenomena (EVP).
Professionally, Eric works in information technology for a local academic institution. His body of specialized knowledge encompasses web development, wireless networking, and security. In his personal life, Eric enjoys acting, philately, and spending time with his wife and son. He is a member of Mensa ®.
Larry Copeland - Investigator / Intuitive Medium
Larry first began development at the age of three in 1961 when he was noticed talking to "unseen" people at a cemetery near Amanda, Ohio. Thankfully, his family was tolerant of his oddities, particularly his mother, whose family exhibited a large degree of ability.
By the age of seventeen, he had begun to receive clairvoyant impressions and exhibited an uncanny aptitude for the paranormal. By this time, he realized these traits were not commonplace.
His searching lead to the examination of various meditative techniques, religious paths and philosophies. Everyone he met was a teacher as he continued his growth. Even those who desired training from him always taught him something valuable and essential for his growth.
Don Arnold - Investigator
Don is the former founder of a Cental Ohio investigation team. He met the COPS team early in his team's beginning stage. Now to be a COPS team member is great honor for him.
Don started studying the metaphysical and paranormal since he was 13 after he had his first incounter with the unexplained. He is always looking for answers to the unanswered - the hows and the whys - a skeptic yet a believer. He started investigating with friends as far back as his school days with abandoned houses and graveyards.
Don has worked at a medical billing company in Powell for the past 6 years in the data entry deptment. Don is a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, a member of the ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League), and a member of the Delaware Emergency Radio Service. Don is also a member of the Ohio Steampunk Society and the Columbus based Group ARCHON. He also enjoys drawing, music, hunting, camping, hiking, and just being outdoors.