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Matthew Sorge, Founder/Medium
- A career Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Response Specialist for over two decades. In addition to investigating hauntings, he has completed course studies in ancient civilizations, omens, oracles, and prophecies through HarvardX, and occult practices combined with his unique skill set as an artifact recovery expert and an avid metal detectorist, aids in bringing another layer to his research.
- Co-creator and lead host of “The Gathering”, a live streaming show and Co-owner of Shadow Work Productions LLC. Director, editor, executive producer of the independent documentary film, “Field of Fears” The Haunting of Randolph County Asylum, coming soon.
- Following an inexplicable encounter with a spirit, he felt an undeniable urge to unravel the mysteries of the unknown. This encounter would alter the course of Matthew’s life sending him on journey, transitioning from skeptic to Medium/ Paranormal Researcher. Armed with a blend of technological prowess, and methodical approach, he delved into the depths of the unexplained. Through years of exploration and countless investigations, including renowned hauntings and enigmatic phenomena, Matthew learned that the paranormal not only exists but has a lasting impact on those who encounter it.
- Each case, whether probing America’s infamous haunts or working with a residential client, left him with more questions and spurred the birth of new theories. Fueling his relentless pursuit for truth, he has honed his skills as a researcher, discovered and developed his mediumship ability, delving deeper into the realms of spirit communication. Always prepared for adventure, Matthew's passion in photography and filmmaking have served as essential tools for documenting his experiences.
- While his dedication to his family remains unwavering, Matthew's pursuits extend beyond familial bonds. Residing in East Tennessee, he finds solace in studying paranormal theory, exploring diverse cultures, and innovating novel research methodologies to bridge the gap between Mediumship and technology. Whether metal detecting to preserve history or pushing the boundaries of his field, Matthew's commitment to understanding the unknown knows no bounds.
- Follow Matthew on his social media Facebook: @matthewsorgesrs, Instagram:@matthewsorge_srs, and Twitter:@matthewsorgesrs.
Kevin King, Lead Researcher
- Has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management, has been working in the biotech industry for 30 years and is a licensed paramedic. In addition to investigating hauntings, Kevin specializes in Instrumental-Trans-Communication (ITC) with an interest in interdimensional communication and portals.
- Co-creator of “The Gathering”, a live streaming show and Co-owner of Shadow Work Productions LLC. Executive Producer of the independent documentary film, “Field of Fears” The Haunting of Randolph County Asylum, coming soon.
- Born and raised in East Tennessee Kevin became interested in paranormal research and has been conducting independent private investigations for over a decade. Having the opportunity to travel and investigate all over the United States allowed Kevin to gain some valuable insight and experience, making him an invaluable asset for SRS Paranormal. He joined the team in 2017 at the suggestion of his longtime friend Al James. Kevin felt his skills were a natural fit to the methodical-based approach used by the team. He is task oriented and has an analytical mindset which makes him a focused researcher with an uncanny ability to connect with spirits. He has taken a special interest in ITC(Instrumental-Trans-Communication) research. Kevin is married with three children, founded and now operates a biotech-research facility and is a well-respected industry leader in his field. He began his career path as a paramedic and worked with local fire/rescue and EMS for many years. Kevin always enjoyed the opportunity to help others and that has continued throughout his career and personal life. He appreciates being able to connect with people searching for answers and enjoys spending his free time with family, traveling, skiing, and visiting historic and haunted locations.
- Follow Kevin on his social media Facebook:@paraksrs
Al James, Case Manager/Tech Expert
- Spent five years as an electrical apprentice with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers before realizing is calling to serve others and became a career firefighter. In addition to investigating hauntings, Al has developed an interest in Astral projection.
- Co-creator and co-host of “The Gathering”, a live streaming show.
- Born and raised in Sullivan County Tennessee, Al’s love of the paranormal goes back to early childhood. Although Al never experienced any notable paranormal encounters growing up, his love and interest in the paranormal never waned. From a young age Al read every book he could find about spirits and hauntings. Al’s childhood curiosity grew into a passion that led him to raise questions and theories on what causes paranormal occurrences and a desire to seek answers. He accepted the request of longtime friend and founder of SRS Paranormal Matt Sorge and in 2015 to join the team. Despite his passion for the paranormal Al began his investigative career as a hard-core skeptic. Throughout his research with the team, his opinions have slowly evolved in the fact that he now knows some things simply cannot be explained away. His exceptional organizational skills and skeptical nature coupled with his background in electrical studies make him ideal for the position of Case Manager/Tech Expert. In addition to managing the team’s case load, logistics, and maintaining and understanding all our equipment, he is also a level headed experienced researcher. Al is a professional firefighter and has been for over 24 years, he began serving his community as a volunteer firefighter at age 17. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, is an avid poker player, and although he humbly refutes this claim he is talented at woodworking.
- Follow Al on his social media Facebook:@aljamessrs
Dr. Ronda Caudill, Lead Medium/Spiritualist Researcher
- Has a PhD in Education, has completed courses in angelic studies, demonology and paranormal studies. In addition to investigating hauntings, Ronda specializes in occult practices and Victorian Era methods.
- A writer, publisher, owner of Full Moon Publishing, psychic-medium, tasseographer, Reiki Master, and owner of the haunted Nickerson Snead House Museum in Glade Spring, VA.; headquarters of the Southern Research Society (SRS Paranormal) and the Sisterhood of Magick and Wonders of which Ronda is a founding member. Co-creator of “The Gathering”, a live streaming show and executive producer of the independent documentary film, “Field of Fears”The Haunting of Randolph County Asylum, coming soon. Co-owner of Shadow Work Productions LLC.
- Coming from a long line of psychically gifted women and healers whose lineage comes from Ireland and Scotland, as well as, having Cherokee roots in the Appalachian Mountains (including an ancestor who was tried as a witch during the Salem Witch Trials). She is also a sensitive, having had paranormal experiences her entire life. She began communicating with the dead at the age of 18 and began tea leaf reading at the age of 19. Ronda has also practiced mirror scrying, table tipping, using dowsing rods, pendulums, and spirit boards for over thirty years. Considering herself a spiritualist, these are the tools she is most comfortable with. These same tools and methods were used during the Victorian period. Ronda's friendship with members of SRS lead to collaboration on numerous projects and cases which opened a door to a new method of research. When SRS decided to expand our vision, Ronda was the clear choice to fill the role of Lead Psychic Medium/Spiritualist Investigator. Ronda accepted our request to join SRS in 2019.
- Follow Ronda on her social media Facebook:@rondacaudillphd, Instagram:caudillronda
Nikita Foxx Boggs, Medium/Spiritualist Researcher
- Has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. In addition to investigating hauntings, she specializes in Native American beliefs.
- She is a psychic medium, coming from a long line of psychically gifted women, including Celtics, Native Americans, and an accused witch during the Salem Witch Trials. She has long been in tune with the spirit world, communicating with the dead since childhood. Nikita is gifted in psychometry, psychometry is the ability to hold a physical object and getting information from it pertaining to past owners of the object. Nikita is able to use psychometry to receive messages from spirits connected to an object and relay these messages to the client. In late 2018 SRS began working with Nikita on some joint projects and cases. Nikita accepted our request to join SRS in 2019 as a Psychic Medium/Spiritualist Investigator.
- Follow Nikita on her social media
- Facebook:@nikitafoxboggssrs
Michelle Woods MT., Researcher
- Has a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Microbiology. She also has a Medical Technology certification from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In addition to investigating hauntings, Michelle specializes in cryptid research with a focus on Bigfoot.
- Co-host of “The Gathering”, a live streaming show
- Michelle was raised on a farm in a small town in East Tennessee. She and her family were active in their small Methodist country church. She has worked in the medical laboratory field for 20 years. She became interested in the paranormal after experiencing some unexplained occurrences and activity over several years, while residing in and renovating an older home. She hopes to combine her love of science with paranormal research/investigation to find answers to explain the unexplained. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, camping, and spending time with family and friends. In 2019 SRS asked Michelle to come on as an Investigator Trainee, her energy and genuine interest in researching the paranormal made her an ideal candidate for the team's expansion.
- Follow Michelle on her social media Facebook:@michellewoodssrs
Tori Starnes, Medium/Researcher
- Has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. In addition to investigating hauntings, Tori specializes in cryptid research with an emphasis on myths i.e. Chupacabra, Wampus Cat, etc.
- A Sullivan County native, Tori Starnes played collegiate volleyball while attending Virginia Intermont College. Tori, growing up with a fascination of the paranormal, spending much of her time watching paranormal investigative shows and researching the unknown. Tori has natural born ability to connect with and bring over messages from spirit, she is empathic and is currently refining her skills in mediumship. Tori, unlike her father Marcus, was much less skeptical to the idea of the paranormal, so upon invitation to the public investigations, Tori was more than elated. After numerous new experiences and personal interactions, Tori was proud to become a member of the SRS team in 2020. Tori could also be described as a local celebrity as she often appears on your local television in Toyota commercials. Tori looks forward to applying her knowledge of science, Christian beliefs, and love of the paranormal to her future endeavors with the team.
- Follow Tori on her social media Facebook:@toristarnessrs
Marcus Starnes, Researcher
- A career Firefighter Paramedic, Technical Rescue expert and a devoted Christian. In addition to investigating hauntings, Marcus’s strong beliefs give him insight into how different belief systems impact cases. Marcus is our spiritual advisor, comforting spirits in need and he researches other religious belief systems providing guidance when cases call for it. The team refers to him as our “Spiritual Bouncer” for when we encounter non-human entities, or the need arises.
- Originally born in Tennessee, Marcus moved with his family to Michigan for a small time before returning to his hometown. Marcus spent 12 years in factory work before following his dream career in 1996, when he became a professional firefighter. Marcus greatly enjoys his duties as an Engineer/Paramedic for the fire department. Upon working in the department, for now 25 years, he developed a friendship with Matt and Al. Marcus, growing up Christian, always had a fascination with the spiritual, but had skepticism. Marcus often recalls stories from his grandfather of the paranormal, so upon invitation to a public investigation, he could not shy away from the allurement. Marcus officially became a member of the team in 2020. Marcus has been married for 35 years, to his loving wife, Lydia. The couple shares two daughters, Tori and Whitley, who are also members of the SRS team. Marcus looks forward to finding answers to the unknown of the paranormal world with his daughters by his side.
- Follow Marcus on his social media Facebook:@marcusstarnessrs
Whitley Starnes, Researcher
- Has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an Associate Degree in Fine Arts. In addition to investigating hauntings, Whitley’s background in psychology provides invaluable insight into the human factor of paranormal phenomena from impacts of actual hauntings to earthy explanations for perceived supernatural occurrences.
- Youngest of the Starnes trio, Whitley, much like her sister, spent her time in college as a collegiate volleyball player. Whitley found her interest in college to land her into 4 different national honor societies and a passion for psychology. She often finds interest in the combination of her mental science and the world of the paranormal. Whitley became further interested in the paranormal when her sister sparked her intrigue with the paranormal shows. While starting out skeptical, Whitley has quickly amassed a collection of personal experiences and interactions. Whitley became a member of SRS, alongside her father and sister, in 2020. Whitley often finds grounding in her personal faith in Christianity beneficial and looks forward to the new experiences and locations to be discovered.
- Follow Whitley on her social media Facebook:@whitleyhoneycuttsrs
Mikaylah Sorge, Researcher
- She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). In addition to investigating hauntings, Mikaylah plans to specialize in ufology and extraterrestrial communication. While developing her natural born abilities to feel and connect with spirit .
- Born and raised in Eastern Tennessee, Mikaylah's fascination with the paranormal began at a young age. Growing up in an environment steeped in the unknown, her intrigue with ufology and paranormal phenomena became a defining aspect of her life. Her journey into the world of the unexplained began at just 12 years old when she accompanied her father to a public event at the Tipton Haynes Historic Site. This early encounter sparked a passion for exploring the mysteries that lie beyond the ordinary. After graduating high school in 2023, Mikaylah embarked on a new chapter by joining her father in SRS Paranormal at the age of 18. ). Mikaylah’s commitment to understanding and connecting with the paranormal is complemented by her development as an empath. She is actively working to enhance her abilities, striving to bridge the gap between the living and the spirit world. She shares a deep connection with her family and a strong desire to assist others whether living or deceased. As she continues her journey, Mikaylah embraces each new experience as an opportunity for growth, eager to expand her knowledge and contribute to the field of paranormal investigation.
Wes Spurgeon, Co-Historian/Researcher
- Has a Bachelor of Science in History and a minor in Religion. Co-Director of a state historic site and career firefighter. In addition to investigating hauntings, Wes uses his background to help separate the fact from folklore and validate our findings with historical facts.
- Born and raised in Northeast Tennessee, he attended Tusculum College (now Tusculum University) and obtained a bachelor degree in history and a minor in religion. Shortly after graduating, he began working part-time at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, known as the most historic site in Tennessee; Tipton-Haynes is also an actively haunted location. Wes realized his calling and followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional firefighter in 2011. Wes finds his work extremely rewarding and continues to work at the historic site as the co-director. He was introduced to paranormal investigating during a brief station assignment with SRS Paranormal Founder Matthew Sorge. His interest in history and the unknown led him to seek the truth. Being a Christian, he has always believed that spirits are a part of this world but was very skeptical of supernatural communication due to no paranormal experiences prior to joining SRS. Wes’s knowledge of history and attention to detail makes his role as the team’s historian vital both in and out of the field. Wes is a family man and is blessed to be married to a teacher and have a daughter. He enjoys learning and teaching history, participating in Civil War reenactments, as well as, visiting historic sites throughout the United States.
- Follow Wes on his social media Facebook:@wesspurgeonsrs
Matthew J. Frye, Co-Historian/Researcher
- · Has a Masters Degree in History from East Tennessee State University, Undergraduate Degree in History, with a minor in Business, and Concentration in Public History from Mars Hill University. Co-Director of Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City, Tn. Using his degree Matthew helps separate fact from folklore and validates our findings with historical fact from each location.
- · Matthew was born in Statesville, North Carolina. He was accepted to Mars Hill College under an academic scholarship. He attended Mars Hill College for 3.5 years and graduated early in December under the school’s new name Mars Hill University. He graduated with a Major in History, Minor in Business and a Concentration in Public History. Before graduating from Mars Hill Matthew accepted the AmeriCorps Position at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site where he served his one-year term in 2016 and accepted Directorship of Tipton-Haynes in January 2017. While Co-Director, Matthew has also gained his Master’s Degree in History from East Tennessee State University with a thesis on Influential Factors on Historical Interpretation: A Case Study of Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. Matthew works hard to preserve the historical relevance and educational advancements of Tipton-Haynes to the community, region, and the state. This work has allowed him to expand his abilities as a paranormal investigator as he is uniquely adapted to researching the difference of historical fact and folklore. Growing up, Matthew had many experiences with the paranormal but had never chosen to act on these experiences until work at Tipton-Haynes and with the S.R.S Paranormal Team. This has allowed his abilities to flourish and allows Matthew to see and understand the other side in more detail. Matthew is married to a Buncombe County NC, Agriculture Teacher and enjoys working with her and the school farm. Between Matthews passion for history and his wife, they have traveled to over 30 states and 4 countries together, for both their passions and insights to be expanded with the history and beauty of this nation.
Our Home Haunt!
- The Nickerson Snead House headquarters of the Southern Research Society (SRS Paranormal) owned by our Lead Psychic Medium Ronda Caudill, PhD, was built circa 1835, however the original log portion was built in the 1700s by Francis Kincannon. During this period it was used as a fort during the Revolutionary War and the French and Indian War. This beautiful historic home was built by Dr. Nickerson Snead and his wife Betsy Snead. It was a field Civil War hospital and the cellar was used as a morgue. The Nickerson Snead House is home to several spirits including Betsy (The Woman in Blue), a little girl and a little boy (presumably Josephine and Douglas Mason). It is an honor and privilege to call this amazing haunted and historic house our home haunt! This house is more than just a haunted location, it has an energy and a feel that is special. From our first visit in 2016 we felt a connection to the house . www.thenickersonsneadhouse.com Facebook.com/thenickersonsneadhouse , Instagram.com/HauntNSH, Twitter.com/NSHHaunt