Zirlin, Rachel Meisler: - Rachel M. Zirlin earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in philosophy from Gordon College and a master's degree in speech pathology from Columbia University. She is certified as a hypnotist by the National Guild of Hypnotists. Her lifelong metaphysical quest propelled her into extensive research in physics, philosophy, and parapsychology, as well as a search for personal experiences of the paranormal. It may have even inspired her choice of spouse, her husband Bob, who holds a PhD in philosophy.