Team Members
Jerry Buteyn - Team Lead
My interest in the paranormal began at a very young age and led me to spend the past 15 years as an investigator in the field. My background leads me to be objective during investigations and to consider all possible factors before coming to a conclusion. I’ve had the pleasure of serving with this amazing team for the majority of my time in the field and appreciate the expertise and enthusiasm that each and every one of them brings to our cases. I encourage free thinking and hope that, as a team, we are able to bring comfort and answers to each of our clients.
Chris Turner - Team Advisor/ Lead Investigator
I have been investigating the paranormal for over 12 years and have had the privilege of being team lead for this dynamic team for 6 of those.
Lauren Parker - Team Historian/ Lead Investigator
Lauren Parker joined TAPS West Coast over 10 years ago after the team investigated her own home when she & her family began experiencing activity. Since then, Lauren has been on numerous paranormal investigations, meticulously researching the history of each location. Lauren has a master’s degree in health science, has been a member of her local historical society for over 20 years, & is often called upon for her assistance in navigating historical records. A natural skeptic, her scientific & research backgrounds allow her to view evidence collectively & objectively. She has been featured on several programs, as well as performing the behind-the-scenes research for many others. Passionate about helping people, she especially enjoys investigating private homes & being a part of a team that strives to offer clients answers & peace of mind. Lauren lives in Los Angeles County & when she’s not busy being a history nerd, she enjoys hiking, going on adventures & hanging out with her fiancé & two children.
Don Hicks - Team Founder/ Lead Investigator
Tim Mitchell - Co-Founder/ Lead Investigator
Tim has been investigating in the Paranormal field fo many years and is one of the co-founders of our team. His legal background helps him to analyze facts on cases and focus on helping clients to the best of his ability.
Chad Weber - Investigator
Working with a municipal Fire Department in Orange County has given me a unique perspective on cases. I’m the guy that likes to utilize technology and my knowledge of environmental and structural causes when investigating reported activity.
David Dossett - Investigator
I was born In Southern California and have been a Paranormal Investigator for over 15 years now and I have been on a lot of cases. I’ve been interested in the paranormal since I was a little kid when I lived in Virginia on a Civil war battlefield, so I grew up around paranormal activity all my life.
Kimberly Demmary -Investigator
I am honored to be a member of TAPS West Coast. I've grown up in a spiritual family and have had many paranormal encounters (including poltergeist) since I was very young. I look forward to being a part of community awareness, investigation innovation, as well as providing assistance and comfort to those who need it. Since I started actively investigating, I realized the paranormal field is so wide with opportunity, and there is still so much that we don't know or fully understand about it, that I look forward to a life long quest for answers.
Rikki Rockett - Investigator
Rikki became interested in the paranormal when at 16, he payed a visit to Amityville to try and get inside the horror house! Rikki began reading hundred’s of books on the paranormal, the occult and true crime.
Years later and with a keen interest in such dark tourisism, Rikki started a Youtube channel called, “Rikki Rockett’s Legend Tripping”. Rikki investigated the “Hook Hand” Urban legend while having a day off in Texarkana, Texas on a Poison tour. The actual murders that occurred in 1946 increased Rikki’s interest in where such lore comes from when it seemingly starts with some actual events in history.
I’m excited to be with TAPS West Coast and share my passion with other people of the same ilk.
Alex Gutierrez - Investigator
My journey into the paranormal began when I was very young. For as long as I can remember I could always feel presences in places where no other people were with me.
I approach every investigation as a skeptic, always seeking a reasonable explanation before assuming the paranormal. During my time with the team I have learned not only from my leaders and my own experiences but from the rest of the team and their individual styles and techniques.
In my personal life I am a family man, with a wife and two beautiful daughters. I work for a large marketing firm, where I help grow the businesses of many clients. I am also a Pro-Am Racing Driver and have participated in many levels of racing.
My goal with the TAPS West Coast Team is to help those who are in situations where they are experiencing things that they cannot explain. I hope to bring a sense of calm and understanding to something that isn’t always explainable or understood.
Jolene Heft - Investigator
I have been Investigating the Paranormal for over 30 years now. I grew up in a very haunted home which of course peaked my interest from a very young age.
I still remember at the age of 7 trying to help my Mom debunk some of the happenings in our home. Being an Investigator is a big passion of mine.
Harley Heft - Investigator
My wife Jolene got me started in investigating. Over the years of investigating with her I have had many experiences which continues to drive my curiosity and my excitement to continue searching for new evidence and experience.
Janene Ghitkammanee - Investigator -LV
I am Midwest born and raised by young parents who encouraged my interest in the weird. I would like to think I had paranormal experiences at a young age but cannot recall any specific instance. I just know I have always been drawn to the unexplained, or things related to the afterlife. I love a good ghost story but believe there are REAL unexplainable things that happen to regular people every day. Having the opportunity to investigate and share experiences with this team is humbling. My goal is to bring to the table whatever I can to help those in need.
Hoss Ghitkammanee - Investigator - LV
With an IT background, my focus is more on the technical side. I consider myself to be a skeptic, so it takes a lot to scare me. I enjoy collecting evidence, listening for EVP’s and reviewing video footage. And although I get satisfaction debunking suspected paranormal activity, it’s exhilarating when I can’t, which further spurs my interest and inspires me to look deeper the answers.