P.M.H. Atwater
Based on her book, “Dying to Know You: Proof of God in the Near-Death Experience”, this talk by acclaimed author P.M.H. Atwater is dedicated to the collective voice, the sum of the many. It covers over three decades of listening and keeping notes as nearly 4,000 experiencers shared what they saw. Yes, personal stories are wonderful, but the real “thunder” comes from those children and adults who surprise us with the richness of their vision and the truth of what they encountered at the very “heart” of their near-death or near-death-like experience. P.M.H will also share experiencer drawings, a show-case of what experiencers remembered when they died.
Alexander Batthyany
The unexpected and spontaneous return of cognitive function and mental clarity shortly before death in patients suffering from severe psychiatric and neurological disorders, i.e. terminal lucidity (Nahm and Greyson 2009), has repeatedly been reported in the medical literature. The majority of these reports, however, have been anecdotal. Currently little is known about the occurrence and true prevalence of terminal lucidity. The ETL Study (Dept. of Cognitive Science, University of Vienna) is a multi-phase retrospective study with the goal of systematically investigating the prevalence, phenomenology, course, and potential causal factors involved in terminal lucidity. Alexander Batthyany will present the preliminary results from Phase 1 of the multi-national study alongside some case examples and descriptions of terminal lucidity. Furthermore, Alexander will discuss implications and possible interpretations of terminal lucidity and their relation to the near-death experience.
Nancy Kimball Baumgarten
Miracles of modern medical technology have increased survival rates and brought forth a fairly new NDE community who have been blasted, leap-frog style into shocking spiritual awakenings. At the same time, there have been large increases in children born over the last 30 years who have substantial soul memories and expanded awareness. The educational, health, and faith-based systems have all been concerned with how to best to incorporate these awakenings. There is an opportunity for youth and adult experiencers alike to gradually incorporate the “missing pieces” of their soul growth training through educational study grounded in the science behind the life force field with a progressive learning style based upon the universal principles from ancient knowledge traditions. This talk will discuss the science of the biofield surrounding all living things and the readiness of this research to be implemented in an integral education style.
Cristael Bengtson
Cristael will discuss her Near-Death Experience and her journey through life.
Cherylee Black
NDEs are profound and amazing experiences that may be accompanied by a unique set of challenges. Cherylee Black has been gifted with three very notable experiences: an incident as a toddler that introduced her to her deceased grandmother, a distressing NDE at the age of 10 which was made all the more frightening by a preview of adult responsibilities, and a blissful experience at the age of 29. She will relate how the after-effects were sometimes difficult to deal with, ranging from relatively innocuous precognitive experiences to issues with poltergeist activity. Cherylee will share the major obstacles to dealing with such concerns such as the lack of information available to help her family understand what was happening. In recent years, she’s evolved from educating herself about NDEs to participating in and conducting original research into Psi phenomenon. She will share how she’s learned to stop feeling victimized by her after-effects and now tries to embrace them as unusual, but natural human experiences.
Cherylee Black
Cherylee will discuss her distressing Near-Death Experience and distressing NDEs in general.
Anne Archer Butcher
Anne Archer Butcher will share a talk on how we all have access to inner guidance and its transformative power, and how we can allow it to direct and enlighten our every thought, word and deed. This guidance brings hope, healing and life transformations. Yet, how can we retain and share the reality of the inner spiritual worlds and apply the spiritual principles to everyday life? By sharing personal, powerful near-death and out-of-body experiences, Anne gives direct insight into how we can gain our own proof that consciousness is eternal, how to face daily challenges with grace, and how to tap into our full creative & spiritual potential. Anne will talk on the subject of inner guidance, how it is an exceptional spiritual tool available in every moment, and how it can open the door of the heart to divine assistance. She will present how we can tune into inner guidance at an ever higher and more personal level, transforming our lives in every way.
Amy Call
Amy Call had a profound near-death experience in 2003 as a result of an allergic reaction to medication. Amy will discuss her experience, including that of coming through a portal and encountering two major aspects of herself: one part of self was egoic self or personality self, reflective of who she was in Earth life. The other self she encountered was universal, timeless and part of the all. Both experiences seemed to occur simultaneously. Amy learned the importance of humility in the egoic portal area. She met a young woman who had died at about the same time Amy did. She gave Amy information about herself and her death telepathically. After Amy came back to her body, she was able to find the young woman’s mother and let her know her daughter was alright. Amy will also discuss her life review, where she came to understand love through its highest frequency, and the importance of forgiveness. She will relate how she learned to care for herself, heal herself as well as relate information she was given regarding our planet. Amy will also share some after death experiences that occurred after her return to her body.
Elizabeth Carman and Neil Carman
Who were you before the world told you who you should be? As the veil thins between dimensions, we discover natural memories of Eternity, heavenly beings, Heaven itself: “Don’t you remember before we came here, when we were all part of the One?” “I came from the Light.” “I saw Earth before I was born.” “I fell from the Sky.” “I chose you to be my Mommy.” “Was I placed with you and Dad when you were in a car?” Elizabeth and Neil Carman will present a talk that weaves together pre-birth memories, past-life memories, and NDEs. They will discuss how we are souls who exist before we were conceived, how we come from the Divine, and all loving, compassionate Intelligence, and how our life plan is part of a learning, an evolutionary journey, something our soul pre-selected, including an “exit” plan. Some select NDEs! They will also explore why people forget pre-birth, past-lives, and NDEs. Various theories offer insight into why clinical death is experienced with varying degrees of awareness (NDE) or unconsciousness.
Christophor Coppes
There are many different NDEs. Not one is equal to another. Yet, there are a limited number of wonderful common themes in NDEs that can be of great help to heal NDEers and non-NDEers. These common themes when adopted by sufficient people (a critical mass) can even heal the world. However, Christopher will share that some people who study NDEs (including those who have had an NDE themselves) tend to create their own theory of how the visible and invisible world is constructed. And in doing so they sometimes go much further than the limited number of common NDE themes justify. This carries the danger of creating a new sort of religion, which will significantly reduce the value that NDEs could have for everyone and the world.
Diane Corcoran
Diane Corcoran, RN, PhD, and Debbie James, RN, PhD, will present an introductory lecture for those people who are new to the Near-Death Experience (NDE) field. She will present the basic information on NDEs, including the incidence of NDEs, the main features of NDEs, and the typical after-effects of NDEs. She has been involved in teaching healthcare professionals about NDEs for over forty years. Dr. Corcoran is a retired Colonel in the Army Nurse Corps. She has served as past President and is the current President of IANDS.
Diane Corcoran
Liz Dale
A near-death experience can promote miraculous healing, opening and transformation for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender person. Some of the stories from Liz Dale’s book Crossing Over and Coming Home and subsequent Journal of Near-Death Studies publications on LGBT NDE’s will be addressed. Liz will address how an NDE can help a LGBT person to move fully out of the closet and no longer fear their own sexuality or sexual orientation. The profound message of an NDE (or NDE-like experience) can move an experiencer from FEAR to LOVE and an ensuing transformation affects the life of those who experience it and those who come in contact with the experiencer.
Mary Deioma
Mary found a way to initiate the near death experience without dying. She will discuss the process she used, and the information that was revealed about divine love and substructure of the physical universe. She will also explore some unexpected after effects, including the ability to communicate with the sun. Validation for experiencers, hope for non-experiencers and evidence – for those who like that sort of thing.
Matthew Dovel
Matthew Dovel, a near-death experiencer, will discuss the adjustment to receiving added skill sets that often result from an NDE. He will discuss how to apply these side effects in real life situations and will provide insights in the field of suicide prevention and how to deal with being emotionally compromised. Matthew will also demonstrate and teach two techniques that anyone can use to remove the bonding between permanent memories and their emotional associations.
Kay Fahlstrom
My near-death experience (NDE) exceeding fatal levels of carbon monoxide (accidentally) should have resulted in death, yet I was saved in way that defies logic and probability. The audience will benefit from hearing how they can use the gifts of a NDE survivor from my post-NDE journey that catapulted me on an unfolding path of intuitions, premonitions, and mediumship (hearing from people who have crossed over). Included will be research documenting how NDE survivors often return with paranormal sensitivities or healing gifts (as well as some examples of after-death communications). A key message is how my NDE resulted in a new mission in life that I had to come upon via growing intuitions, leading me like an invisible compass to the life of service I would embrace as a full-time medium (after being nudged off my marketing career path). This post-NDE path required courage and personal change yet was rich in spiritual lessons and gifts received. Listeners will enjoy hearing how people are healed, comforted, and uplifted by hearing from their loved ones in Spirit. If allowed, I’ll share the research of Kenneth Ring’s Lessons from the Light so the audience may use NDE gifts in their lives. Visit her web site
John Finnemore
Working in concert with a representative (now deceased) on earth, highly advanced spirit world leaders have undertaken a mission to enlighten humanity and change the world. The speaker began his involvement in this project over 50 years ago, unaware of the large part he was to play in it.
Krista Gorman
Krista Gorman’s NDE occurred 14 years ago while in labor with her daughter. In the difficult years afterward trying to process the truth learned through the experience, Krista developed twelve principles for living that, when all are aligned and manifested in one’s life, have the potential for an experience of healing and joy. She will discuss how these principles have helped heal everyone in her family and enabled her to live in alignment with who she learned she was in the afterlife. It is her goal to share them with others, as this was the commitment she made when she chose to return to her body. Krista’s life purpose is to share these principles with others in the spirit of service and love. Krista also recently published a book called I Died and Learned How to Live.
J. Timothy Green
NDEs can be viewed as a unique phenomenon, or they can be viewed as one of a number of experiences during which the individual finds their conscious awareness outside of their physical body. As a group, these experiences are best described as “ecstatic,” a word that comes from the Greek phrase ex stasis which means, “to stand outside oneself.” In this presentation, J. Timothy Green will discuss these other types of ecstatic experiences, including OBEs, shamanic journeys and lucid dreams, and the value to the field of near-death studies of taking this view of NDEs.
Alexa Hartung
On December 3 & 4, 2011, I visited Virginia Beach IANDS and the Fellowship of the Inner Light. As part of that visit I did personal Readings with living dogs and their owners, both at a private condo and at a dog training facility. In the communications from those animals, and from the personal ADC’s w/my own dogs, I was shown and told of the vast work of the Spirits of deceased canines. An abundance of detail was provided, beyond anything I have been able to “see” as a result of my own NDEs. Some of this information bore similarities to the human realm of spiritual guides and comforters
Alexa Hartung
On January 25, 1983, I flew to the Durham, NC Veterans Hospital to visit my father. In this presentation I will share the spiritual phenomena I witnessed during my father’s death the NEXT day, what I “saw” in spiritual realms soon after his passing, and what I learned from my father’s re-appearance to me in 1999.
Jessica Haynes
Jessica Haynes was a top marketing expert in the fine art world. In 1983, her busy career was interrupted when she experienced a car accident that crushed her body and caused her near-death experience. Jessica will relate what she learned on the other side with three life reviews and how she got her life back when she was told she could not return. She will tell the story of her miraculous healing and the gifts with which she returned, including psychic abilities and remote viewing. Jessica will discuss the after effects of an NDE and how experiencers can connect with each other as well as with top scientists who are like minded. She will also relate how her NDE led to an invention. Today, Jessica is a business and relationship consultant who specializes in helping individuals reach their goals and has helped thousands around the globe.
Jan Holden
Researchers of NDEs and related phenomena are largely responsible for the extent to which NDEs have gained legitimacy with both the public and academics–but much work remains to be done. The five members of this panel are published authors in the field of near-death and/or consciousness studies. Their panel discussion will begin with each one’s perspective on what topics should be the focus of future NDE research, and each will reflect on challenges in conducting such research. Participants include Alexander Batthyany, Mitch Liester, Robert Mays, Suzanne Mays, and Jan Holden. Moderator Jan Holden is an NDE researcher and the editor of the Journal of Near-Death Studies.
Alan Hugenot
Skeptics often use the basic concepts of Newtonian materialist science to undermine people’s belief in the afterlife. But the leading Quantum Physicists have known that the universe itself is conscious, for over 80 years now. In the last 30 years there has been much data developed which provides proof of the afterlife, yet it is not common knowledge. Alan Hugenot will present a talk regarding how recent breakthroughs in medical technology during 2012-2014 have proven the afterlife definitely exists for at least 4 hours after the patient is pronounced dead. Included in this is the work of world-renowned physicians who have published in late 2013 about patients who are completely dead for over four hours with no respiration, no heart beat and no EGK brain wave yet are now routinely brought back from the dead with no ill effects.
Debbie James
Debbie James will moderate the discussion and panelists Virginia Hummel, Silvia Guersenzvaig, Sheryl Hill, and Heidi McClure will discuss their insights into After Death Communications (ADCs).
Mitch Liester
Ayahuasca (aka “the vine of the soul”) is a medicinal plant mixture from the Amazon rain forest. This medicine is used by indigenous cultures for healing and divination. The experience induced by ayahuasca shares many similarities with near-death experiences (NDEs). Mitch Liester’s presentation will examine the similarities and differences between ayahuasca-induced experiences and NDEs. Ayahuasca’s potential as a research tool to help us better understand NDE phenomena will be explored as well.
Debra Martin & Sheri Getten
In 1997, Debra Martin was in a horrific car accident where divine intervention saved her life. This was her first door opened to the Other Side. In 2000 she was in another tragic automobile accident where she crossed over and witnessed everything that was happening to her here on earth from above. On January 21, 2012 Debra was laying in her bed dying from an unknown illness where she crossed over into the arms of God. Debra signed a life span contract that day with God. Sheri Getten played a role in all three of Debra’s NDE. On 1-21-12 she came to Debra’s house to do a healing. She witnessed Debra’s transitioning into the arms of God, she was able to listen to Debra describe in detail what she saw and what was being said with God. This is a profound and powerful NDE and healing miracle. This story gives hope, healing and awareness that with God all things are possible. Today because of these NDEs they perform spiritual, physical and mental healing. Together they have discovered a unique healing technique and are currently doing healings around the world. Both Sheri and Debra will appear at the conference and share stories of miraculous transformational healings.
Robert & Suzanne Mays
Robert and Suzanne Mays will present how near-death experiences (NDEs) and shared-death experiences (SDEs) provide several lines of evidence that suggest that consciousness separates from the brain and body during these experiences. The mind-entity hypothesis proposes that the “mind” is an objective, autonomous entity that can separate from and operate independent of the brain. When united with the brain, the mind can interact with the brain’s physical processes. The mind is the person’s seat of consciousness. Robert and Suzanne propose an interface of the mind with the brain which can explain a number of open questions about consciousness and specific neurological dysfunctions such as Alzheimer’s disease, addictions and aphasia. They also have suggestions for developing or enhancing neurological treatment and therapies.
Maureen McGill & Nadia McCaffrey
This presentation demystifies death and creates a clear awareness of the other side. Based on personal interviews, these are true love stories from widows and parents of Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, 9/11 veterans and soldiers, who share their messages of healing from the grief they suffered. Each story has its song and message. The message comes in the form of dream, a song, an apparition, pennies, a voice, a smell. The presentation uses songs, images, photographs, and words to create and support the emotional healing of their sudden loss in war-related circumstances. These sometimes mystical and ordinary experiences bring healing for surviving loved ones. The personal significance of these messages demonstrates the eternal bonds of love. These experiences confirm that life exists beyond all time and space.
Erica McKenzie
Erica McKenzie, RN, is an inspirational speaker, messenger, advocate, researcher and upcoming author. At the age of twelve she had an eating disorder that continued for twelve years. This led to a nine year addiction to a weight loss drug called Phentermine. Her dark secret ended one day when she collapsed to the floor unconscious. Erica found herself drawn through a tunnel and delivered into the hands of God. She had two life reviews, saw Heaven as a planet, the earth in flames and God’s unexpected reaction to the souls left behind. Erica experienced the edge of hell. She learned about the rippling effect and the unique gifts God has for each of us. She discovered that beauty is internal and lies within our hearts. Her life altering NDE with God and the gift of healing he gave her ignited a one woman crusade to help us discover that our uniqueness truly is our value. Erica has spent the past eleven years dedicated to delivering messages of hope, healing and transformation. She created EricaMckenzie.com devoted to identifying your gifts, growing value, helping create the balance between body, mind and spirit which bring healing & life transformation.
Julijan Naskov
Where is the place of Science in exploring near-death experiences? Current scientific methods have failed to bring an understanding of the near-death experience. Julijan Naskov will discuss how the NDE is part of a universal cosmic law like many other spiritual experiences. He will draw the parallel that, just like quantum mechanics cannot be understood through classical physics, near-death research cannot be understood with traditional scientific methods. Julijan will explore our connections which provide a bridge of understanding to the other side, including NDEs, dreams, OOBEs, spiritual exercises and enlightenment. Connections with angels and their energies during specific NDEs will also be explored.
Mary Neal
Mary Neal, an orthopedic surgeon, drowned in a kayak accident while pinned at the bottom of a waterfall in a remote region of Chile. With the help of her kayaking companions Mary was pulled from the river, resuscitated and has since recounted her remarkable journey to the other side in her recent book, “To Heaven and Back: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story”. Mary has also appeared on a number of TV shows recounting her incredible journey. We are delighted to have Mary return to speak to us this year where she will discuss how a person can make the transformation from a hope and faith to an absolute trust that God’s promises are true. Mary will discuss how this transformation leads to a person’s ability to experience a life of joy and hope, regardless of their life’s circumstances.
Jeff Olsen
After a devastating auto accident crippled Olsen and took half of his family, Jeff draws from the answers provided in his own NDE to not only heal, but re-build a deeply meaningful life. Olsen shares tools and insights for hope, healing and life transformation as he shares what he has learned from not only visiting the other side, but in continued dreams and communications with angels and deceased loved ones. Jeff Olsen is the author of, “I Knew Their Hearts: The Amazing Story of Jeff Olsen’s Journey Beyond the Veil to Learn the Silent Language” and “Beyond Mile Marker 80: Choosing Joy after Tragic Loss”. Jeff was an amazing speaker last year and we are delighted to have him back to hear more of his story.
Scott Olsen
Evidence abounds that in an NDE one’s self-identity undergoes transmutation, as if in an alchemical crucible, forged into a broader, kinder, more empathic, sensitive, illumined identity. It is truly as if one dies to the old ego and is reborn into a higher and more expansive state of awareness, where physical and spiritual healing can also occur. Scott Olsen’s talk will focus on how this transformed state of consciousness and corresponding enhanced energetic capacity has the uncanny ability to transform and heal others who come in direct or even indirect contact with the awakened individual. It is as if the NDEr has discovered (or become) the philosopher’s stone. What is it about the Universe that supports such stunning instances of transformation? Scott will examine the role of the divine proportion in relation to recent discoveries in non-locality, quantum coherence, proportional symmetry and resonance that may provide a solution to this exciting and potentially world-transforming phenomenon.
Rajiv Parti
Rajiv Parti, MD will present seven truths about the afterlife, revealed to him from his own NDE experience, that have led to an astounding transformation in his own life, including: 1) consciousness exists outside of the body, 2) there is life after death, 3) we have past lives and our experiences therein can shape our current realities, 4) we are all connected to each other because we are all made of the one and same energy that manifests as differentiated matter, 5) divine beings exist to help and guide us, 6) there are different levels of consciousness, and 7) there is one, all-pervading, supreme love and intelligence that is the source of the entire universe, and that love is the supreme source of creation.
Kati Russell
Kati, coming from a life filled with grief, chaos, and abuse, was overcome by deep grief after the successive deaths of her Mother, baby, and Father within an of 18 month period,Kati then experienced it for herself. February 8, 1996 was to change the course of Kati and her four children’s lives. She never painted before her near death experience that day. Two years later as she began to paint, it was the first time she felt that peace she had found when she met her Dad and best dog in heaven. The angel’s images create the atmosphere of Peace that is our birthright, given to us all, deep within our souls. With our daily challenges and priorities we easily block that Peace God has waiting for us.The angels work on a subconscious level and help all who look at them no matter what their beliefs or mindset. The angels know no religious denomination and speak to people from all walks of life. For that few seconds when we really look at them our heart opens, and it changes things in a very subtle way. The angels’ abstract quality appeals to each person specifically, as it affects their hearts. They touch the healing power we have within ourselves. Enjoy the vibrant colors, peaceful feelings, and healing energy, the angels bring in their unique images.
Robert Schwartz
Robert Schwartz will discuss his own spiritual path and how he came to write books about pre-birth planning. He will explain the five main reasons why we ourselves plan before we’re born to experience great challenges in life. He will then discuss in depth some of the stories in his books. This inspirational presentation will help you to understand the deeper spiritual purpose of your own life challenges and how you may heal negative feelings about those challenges, transforming those feelings into acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, and peace. Robert Schwartz is the author of, “Your Soul’s Plan: Discovering the Real Meaning of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born” and “Your Soul’s Gift: The Healing Power of the Life You Planned Before You Were Born.”
Lee Witting
Moderator Lee Witting, D.Min., will lead a panel of distinguished healthcare professionals, including doctors, psychologists and nurses to discuss how a patient’s near-death experience should be handled. Panelists will include: J. Timothy Green, PhD; Krista Gorman, PA-C; Debbie James, RN, PhD; Erica McKenzie, RN; Julijan Naskov, MD; and Karen Palmer, PhD.
Lee Witting
Traditional denominations are shrinking in this country as a generation unacquainted with Sunday School, Bible study, or training for confirmation is leaving empty many of the pews in mainline churches. Confidence in a hereafter has, as a consequence, faded for millions of hospitalized patients who are confronting (for perhaps the first time in their lives) a sense of their own mortality. Hospital and hospice chaplains more and more find themselves the first line of defense in mitigating stress and fear in patients, where it’s widely understood that stress and fear are primary enemies of health and healing. A powerful tool in assuaging patients’ stress and fear of dying comes through a chaplain’s use of NDE reports as a non-denominational tool for spiritual and physical healing.
