Meet Our Team

We have an incredible crew of volunteers who work hard to make our tour a memorable experience for all of our guests!

Here is a little bit about them!

Melany Hall - Founder and CEO

Hello! My name is Melany Hall. I am the founder of Gold Country Ghost Tours. I grew up in not one but two different houses that were haunted and I have always found all things ghostly absolutely fascinating. I've attended many ghost tours from New Orleans to Jack the Riper in London! One day I decided it was high time that my hometown and get the chance to share our haunted history with you all! Interestingly enough, every year during our tour the spirits seem to get even more prolific in our little town...

I was born and raised here in Auburn and then traveled the world as an Army Officer. I eventually made my way home where I now work at our local continuation high school, stay very active in my community, and my family and I love exploring everything our area has to offer. Enough about me though, here is a little bit about my amazing team! I am so thankful to have so many incredible folks to work with on this tour!

Ralph Gibson - "Knower of All Things Historical"

My name is Ralph Gibson. I have worked for the Placer County Museums since 2004 and have been Museums Administrator since 2013. Before working for Placer County, I was the Curator of the Kell House Museum in Wichita Falls, Texas. This museum is very haunted and in 2003 I developed a Ghostly tour on a night near Halloween – a tradition that continues. As a graduate student at New Mexico State, I co-curated an exhibit on ghosts at the New Mexico State University Museum. I live in Antelope, California with my wife, ten-year-old son, a dog, a cat, and three guinea pigs.

Jen Russell- "Coordinator Extraordinaire"

My name is Jen Russell. I am a home studies teacher at Harvest Ridge Cooperative Charter School. I help Melany with check-in for the Ghost Tour and many other ghostly adventures. When I’m not spending time with my husband and our two sons, I like to garden, paddleboard, and hike.

Nicole Burns aka "Set Designer Extraordinaire"

Hello, I am Nicole Burns and I am an Auburn local. When not working in software sales, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 girls. We enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, cooking, traveling and all the things that keep us outdoors.

You can find me behind the scenes of the Ghost Tour, running around Old Town, arranging sets, putting up lights and making sure the magic and spirit of the night is in full swing. I have been doing this since 2019 and have enjoyed how this event has created such a fun experience for visitors and locals. This is my favorite time of year.

Mickey Couvrette aka "Soroptimist Tour Guide Coordinator Extraordinaire"

Hi, I am Mickey. I was born and raised in Auburn. My Great Grandparents settled here in 1912. Auburn is a great place to grow up! My family was very involved in 4-H. In 1971 my brother and I rode our horses in the "Rattlesnake Dick" day parade and won the 1st Place trophy. YES! Auburn used to have a "Rattlesnake Dick Day" celebration. I married my wonderful husband in 1990 and we live in North Auburn. In 2023, I joined the Soroptimist International of Auburn, ladies club. Our ladies are your volunteer tour guides. This year I am honored to be the Tour Guide Coordinator. I love everything historical about Auburn and have never missed a Ghost Tour! 👻

To be honest, we couldn't wrangle you all without her expertise and Soroptimist friends. These "Ghost Hosts" ensure that you don't get lost or stray from the path. Mickey doesn't want any uninvited "restless spirits" taking over our tour....

Joan Maxwell aka "Costume "lady" Extraordinaire"

My name is Joan Maxwell. I’m a real housewife of Auburn until Halloween rolls around, then I am all about the ghost tours. This year I will be ensuring all of our characters are up to snuff with their costumes...OR ELSE! During the other months of the year, I volunteer as a museum docent for the Placer County Museums.

I’m a retired nurse and I also enjoy traveling with my husband and spending time with our children and grandchildren.

Dan Spacek aka "Rattlesnake Dick", Richard Barter

Minister by day, Auburn’s most notorious outlaw on certain October nights.

My name is Dan Spacek, and I love bringing the story of Richard Barter, aka Rattlesnake Dick, to life each year through the Auburn Ghost Tour. Playing this role is a fresh and fun compliment to my everyday role as the Senior Pastor at the First Congregational Church of Auburn, UCC. Like all of us, there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to understanding this colorful character. I enjoy pouring over old books and articles to find obscure details that add substance to the scoundrel we think we know. So come to the tour if you want to hear the REAL story!

I live in Auburn with my two sons, Wyatt and Jericho. Most often you’ll find us ambling along some trail savoring the beautiful vistas while keeping an eye out for Rattlesnake Dick’s long-lost treasure.

Donna-Lisa Otto aka "Alma Bell"

Hi, I’m Donna-Lisa Otto, thrilled to be back for my second year haunting the streets as the infamous Alma Bell! Last year marked my debut with Gold Country Ghost Tours, and I was lucky enough to bring Alma to life under the guidance of her original creator, Joan Maxwell. With Joan stepping away, I’m honored to carry on the legacy she built with such care and depth.

My husband and I have called Auburn home since 1998, and I’ve loved being part of this vibrant community—whether teaching Zumba, performing with local theater groups, or now channeling spirits with this amazing team. As a proud SAG-AFTRA member for 29 years, it’s a joy to share my love of acting right here at home.

Rick Schlussel aka "Sheriff Charles Keena"

I've enjoyed acting since I was a child. I returned to the stage in 2012 and haven't stopped since. I expanded from an actor to a producer and director. The ghost tour combines my love of theater with my passion for history. Plus, I get to support, educate, and entertain my beloved community in Auburn.

Joey Scicluna aka "Thomas Stephens"

I first moved to Auburn in 1973. It was not long before I would say, “I love this town.” It has so much to offer to all those who call it “Home” and those who are here for a visit. I fell in love with the Gold Country Ghost Tour after attending it with my wife, Angeline, for the very first time. I am honored to be part of something bigger than all of us. It is such an exciting and historical event that allows just some of Auburn’s important history, ghostly or not, to be passed on to all who desire to hear it.

Peggy Seitzinger aka "The Fire Queen", Emily Casement

My name is Peggy Seitzinger. This is my 6th year with the Ghost Tour, and I have the good fortune to play Emily Casement: The Fire Queen. Although Emily’s and my day jobs are a little different (she ran a brothel and I run a jewelry store), we have quite a bit in common.

When I’m not channeling a madam from beyond the grave, I spend my days at Roper’s Jewelers, or with my husband Tom and our children, Jake & Samantha. I serve on the boards of the Gold Country Heritage Foundation and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Planning Team for Leadership Auburn.

I love our town, and like Emily, believe that we should all help each other out whenever we can.

Marsha Porte aka "Maggie Coan"

I moved to Auburn in 2003 and I was finally “home.” After my husband passed, I wanted to fill my time and becoming a Placer County Museum docent fit the bill as my B.A. degree was history. Throughout my life I have been on stage singing, playing the piano, and tap dancing. I raised three children, all of whom became actors in leading roles at school and community plays. Although I am not Obi Wan Kenobi, I did teach them well. Acting has always been in me. I started out in 2019 portraying Maggie (Margaret) Moran Coan in the Cemetery Tours. Maggie was the last person I wanted to bring to life because of the tragedy she went through, but Carol Cramer convinced me she needed to be heard. In 2021, I was asked to bring Maggie into the Ghost Tours. This is where she belongs as her ghost story is most compelling, and—spoiler alert—it continues to expand. How is this possible? Ask Maggie!

Amanda Petty aka "Rita "Jennie"Cortopaasi"

Amanda Petty has lived in Auburn for nearly 20 years and loves this community! When not on the Ghost Tour, you can find her involved in other theatrical endeavors with Auburn's State Theatre Acting Company, where she serves on the committee and participates in their LIVE Old Time Radio shows. She is very excited to be joining the Auburn Ghost Tour for her third year, bringing a new character to this year's tour, Rita Cortopassi. Rita is a misunderstood woman, with rumors swirling around Auburn regarding her reputation, accused of murdering her husband, Tony, owner of the historic Orleans Hotel & Bar….accident or intentional? Whispers, secrets, and a shadowed past—Rita Cortopassi awaits your judgment. In addition, she will be playing Mrs. Snowden (aunt to Adolph Weber) in Ghost Tour's LIVE stage production.

Bill Gray aka "William McDaniel"

William McDaniel was a shopkeeper in Old Town Auburn in the 1860s. Unlike many citizens, he got along well with his Chinese neighbors. But one night, he was murdered in his store. He was the first person buried in the Old Auburn Cemetery.

My name is Bill Gray. My wife Jean and I have shared our town with the many ghosts of Auburn for over 30 years.

I am a docent at the Placer County Museums and also bring characters to life at their annual Cemetery Tour.

My greatest joy in life is my three children and four grandchildren.

Stacey Wheeler

I came to Auburn in 2015 and immediately fell in love with the great people, wonderful businesses, and small-town feel. How could I not?! A few years later I did a show with the State Theatre acting company. Through that association, I was introduced to Ghost Tours. History and acting are some of my great interests... Ghost Tours was a natural and enjoyable fit. In this year’s production, I play George Stevens, one of the early pioneers of Auburn. George was the founder of the American hotel, which is where the Auburn Ale House now sits. Some say his ghost visits there still. I'm looking forward to another October, playing the oft-forgotten man whose spirit still echoes through old town Auburn.

Ashley Meadows aka "Bertha Weber"

Bertha was murdered along with the rest of her family by her brother, Adolf Weber.' She was popular and said to be a very friendly girl who smiled and gave a kind greeting to those who came in contact with her. Also, she was very talented in the music area. She played the piano and was thought to be playing at the time of her murder.

When I am not a ghost, I enjoy spending time with my family and partner. I am a HUGE Disney fan and History nerd! I also volunteer at the Placer County Museum when they have special events like S'mores & Stories, Heritage Trail, etc.

Brad Weisberg aka "Earl Kimball - The Werewolf of Fulda Flat"

I did my first play when I was 14 years old. That was over 50 years ago. I knew early on that theatre was my calling. After I finished graduate school, I spent the next 35 years as a working Theatre professional in the Bay Area. Having recently retired from West Valley College (after 25 years as a tenured Theatre professor, six of which as chair of the program), I moved to the Gold Country. That's when I discovered the Ghost Tours and knew I HAD to be part of it! You may have seen me last year in the stage show. I'm really looking forward to adding the walking tour this year!! During the day, I serve as a docent for the county museums, where I get to share my passion for history with others. You might also see me pop up as a historical character around Auburn from time to time as I do reenactments for special events.

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