In 2002, Jerry “Kelly” Synder, a retired law enforcement officer, found that his skill set could help people find missing loved ones. Experienced in detective work, Snyder discovered that the unresolved caseload of the missing left families struggling to move in any direction. After his experience with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), he acted by creating a unique group of over 160 individuals who attempt to provide justice for those who are missing and closure for families and individuals effected by the loss of a loved one. Snyder’s motivation to create the Find Me Group came from the overwhelming numbers of missing people.
The Find Me Group is based in Arizona but works nationwide in Teams to address the cases they receive. This group consists of law enforcement, search and rescue, forensic scientists, psychologists, data analysts and more unconventional means to work a case. The non-profit operates under a 501c3 license and provides their services free of charge. They have an extensive website, FindMeGroup.org, and they appeal to the community to make donations to their cause.
Although the results of the cases are not published, members of the group can see their collective progress as they meet online and in person on a regular schedule. Their goals are to help victims and law enforcement, provide search management and all that that entails, including canine search services and family counseling. The participants have been vetted, and they operate under an extensive code of ethics.
Under the intuitive resources category is a local San Diego woman who has seen positive results over the past year. Ruby Ruscilli, a psychic medium, explained some of the process. Find Me Group participants may receive multiple cases, but the Team works on one case at a time. Part of Ruscilli’s process is using the basic information of a missing person, such as their name, age, photo, and the date and place last seen. She considers the details provided, then proceeds to meditate, pray, and appeal to her guides. Using her gifts, Ruscilli responds to the Team with additional ideas and pieces of information she has learned.
According to Ruscilli, each Team member assigned to a case submits his or her findings independently. Leaders of the Team review all submitted materials and take the next steps.
The work appears to be highly rewarding to Ruscilli. She intends to stay active with the Find Me Group, and she may expand her services in the near future within our community. Ruscilli may be found in other healing communities that apply healing arts, such as guided meditation, holistic healing, singing bowls, and energy work. Readers who may wish to contact her may do so through Indian Voices.
As February 14th approaches, besides St. Valentine’s Day, it is also Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIW/P) Awareness Day. Various groups will take the day to bring awareness to The Missing. Locally, San Diego State Native Resource Center, directed by Chris Medellin-Lopez, will offer an event from 11:30 to 1:30. The Opening Prayer will be delivered by Martha Rodriquez, Baja Kumiai Bird singers and Red Warrior Drum will be present, and Teyana Viscarra and Norm Sands will speak.
If readers are unable to attend, they may visit the Way of the Sacred Mountain website for further information.
