Core Beliefs
Our business is grounded in the belief that everything, including Highland Lake Resort, is a blessing from a loving Creator. We are grateful to co-create a space which enables people to relax and enjoy themselves in this lakeside haven.
We fundamentally believe in the goodness of humanity and want to cultivate a space for people to experience a deeper sense of peace, unity & joy.
Our business is grounded in the belief that everything, including Highland Lake Resort, is a blessing from a loving Creator. We are grateful to co-create a space which enables people to relax and enjoy themselves in this lakeside haven.
We fundamentally believe in the goodness of humanity and want to cultivate a space for people to experience a deeper sense of peace, unity & joy.
Our Rock Star Team
Taking over the resort in February 2018, with all it's complexity and the 100's of decisions to make on a daily basis, stretched me to the brink. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing and supportive the staff have been. There is no way Highland would have survived it's first year without the love and dedication of our employees. Housekeepers, cafe personel, front desk staff and managment all went above and beyond to care for guests needs, organize areas, keep track of inventory, find solutions to problems I didn't know existed. In my fatigue, I broke down in tears thinking about a tag line "Celebrating the Goodness of Humanity" because I realized to what depth the staff radiates that goodness with one another and our guests. They embody our values and are the reason for every positive review we receive. So to any staff that stumble upon this page...
It's an honor working with you! Thank you for the gift that you are, and for all you bring to my life
and the Highland Lake Resort family!
Taking over the resort in February 2018, with all it's complexity and the 100's of decisions to make on a daily basis, stretched me to the brink. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing and supportive the staff have been. There is no way Highland would have survived it's first year without the love and dedication of our employees. Housekeepers, cafe personel, front desk staff and managment all went above and beyond to care for guests needs, organize areas, keep track of inventory, find solutions to problems I didn't know existed. In my fatigue, I broke down in tears thinking about a tag line "Celebrating the Goodness of Humanity" because I realized to what depth the staff radiates that goodness with one another and our guests. They embody our values and are the reason for every positive review we receive. So to any staff that stumble upon this page...
It's an honor working with you! Thank you for the gift that you are, and for all you bring to my life
and the Highland Lake Resort family!
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Crazy Bird (aka Samanthia Valente)
As Highland Lake Resort's manager, Crazy Bird goes above and beyond the call of duty. It was common in the grueling early months for this angel to work 80hrs week and still make us laugh so intensly our stomachs hurt. She continues to breathe creativity, and passion in all our endeavors. The combination of her dedication, grit, and love are unparallel. love, period |
Wolfie (aka Mark Philips)
Joining our team as Property Engineer, Wolfie brings decades of experience in groundskeeping, and property managment. We are ectastic to have this urban dweller move on site in October 2018 to help us maintain and improve the property. When not leading the wolf pack, Wolfie can be found on his motorcyle soaking up the beauty of New England. |
Foxy (aka Laurie Buck)
Our kitchen manager, Foxy comes to work everyday with the joy and tenderness of a child. She has a passionate love of canines and is unable to resist Luna's cuteness. With extensive food service managment experience, Foxy offers an abundance of practical skills as well as being a wellspring of creative ideas. Her mission is to ensure love is infused in all the food we serve. |
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Cracker Jack (aka Sandi Hatch)
This housekeeping diva has trained most of the other housekeepers in a welcoming, professional, and thorough way. She has graciously taken on dozens of non-housekeeping duties during her employement here. While Sandi comes to Highland with extensive housekeeping management experience, we are equally blessed by her joyful, sincere demeanour. I can't think of too many things in this world sweeter than hearing her call me and others "Chicky-doo"! |
Rocket (aka Janessa Lavoie)
Nobody better knock today's youth in my presence! Rocket lives up to her nickname by tackling housekeeping duties like a pro. Her sharp wit and keen attention to detail (including keeping track of inventory!) help us keep the housekeeping machine, and other buildings running smoothly. She independently restructured the entire storage unit to flow more smoothly (love it!!!). Janessa, in her final year of High School, is pursuing college to study in forensics. |
Tom Cat (aka Ellery Hunt)
Coming in as our yougest employee at 16 years, Tom Cat, is a powerhouse in the rooms. This sweet and gentle soul is always smiling and willing to help out with whatever needs to be done. She has taken on a dozen other office/handyman/etc. tasks to help out. Even on those gruelling 95 degree days when all 22 rooms need to be cleaned, she doesn't loose her smile and is quick to laugh. We are blessed to have her young energy envigorate Highland. |
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Rock Star (aka Pat Salvatore)
This hot ticket, front desk goddess, is the most recent addition to our motley crew. Head of a local motorcyle gang (seriously!), this woman with a heart of gold helps raise thousands of dollars for charities. Amidst 1,000 adventure stories, she brings oodles of event planning, artistic design and human resource skills to Highland. Welcome! |
Golden Eagle (aka Sarah Eagleton)
This world traveling ski bum lives in Bridgton with her partner. From organizing paperwork to greeting guests, Golden Eagle ensures that all our guests feel welcomed and informed. We are fortunate to have her extensive guest relations experience infuse our office. Stop in our front desk and you'll see if the "Eagle has landed" - you'll be glad you did! |
Jewels (aka Kathleen Landry)
This nickname really fits! I made the mistake of asking a guest if they needed any information after checking in with Jewels. Five minutes later I had learned things from the guest (that Jewels had shared) which I didn't even know. Our biggest challenge with Jewels is all the guests inviting her to hang out with them after work because she's so much fun! |
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Krazy Karen (aka Karen Hawkins)
Karen is responsible for ensuring our linens are sparkling clean. This barefoot adventurer has touched the lives of countless 2 & 4-legged souls. Caring for behaviorally struggling youth, abused animals, economically disadvantaged and other vulnerable beings, she shines God's light on all whom she encounters. Always ready with a hug, this star brightens up our linens and our souls... and yes she has many pets including a monkey! |
St. Joseph (aka Joseph Zullo)
Another Gen X employee who breaks the mold of hope for this emerging generation. Thoughful, quick witted, trendy & resourceful, St. Joseph rocks the cafe (and entire property when needed!) with his beautiful self. Some of his interests include ballet, gymnastics, and all things fitness. St. Joseph infuses fresh creative ideas into our menu offering an invaluable contribution to the developoment of our fledgling cafe. |
Silly (aka Priscilla Riley)
As our newest housekeeper, we fell in love with this pearl from day one. Silly joins our team with years of experience including employment with Bridgton Academy. You can see the light and joy in her eyes. We are blessed to have her join our team! |
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Howard Stanten
A shout out to Howard at Vanguard Coaching for keeping us focused and somewhat sane! "As an executive, entrepreneur, and team coach, my passion is helping leaders and entrepreneurs bring the best of who they are and what they do to those they lead and serve." Howard Stanten MPT, CPCC howard@vanguardcoaching.life1-603-986-0153 |
Luna Lovegood (aka Baby Girl)
She supplies the cuteness, unconditional love & joy to keep the rest of us inspired. Often she ponders... "who is a good girl..." |
Stitches (aka Daria Bosworth)
"I have been a part of the housekeeping staff at Highland Lake Resort since June 2017. As a housekeeper, I take great pleasure in cleaning and helping others, which is why I will be going to college in the fall of 2018 for nursing. I love to spend my spare time with friends and family, and volunteering around the lakes region community." Best of luck at school Daria! Thank you for rocking Highland with us this summer!!! |
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Twitch (aka Carlotta Girouard)
While her experience includes nonprofit administration, hospice care, emergency medicine and others, her real love lies in spiritual growth. Once Highland Lake is thriving, she plans on returning to school to attain a second masters and become a prison Chaplain. If all goes as planned she will be spending much of the rest of her life behind bars. (And thank you Brandon Mull for the nickname) |
Guido or Giovanni (aka Eli Girouard)
At 13 years old, this kid is both brilliant and resilient. His loves include Magic the Gathering, books, and more books, video games, all things water especially rivers, and the ocean, dogs, daydreaming, cooking & baking. He marches to the beat of his own drum and possesses a heart larger then Maine. He attends the Community School in NH which also draws inspiration from the fibinacci sequence. |
Fither (aka John Girouard)
One of four children, John grew up in a Franco-American household speaking French as his first language. Nature feeds his soul, and the northern Maine woods draw him back year after year for hiking and hunting adventures. His passion lies in the arts and he is currently part of Ellis River Art Studios Gallery in Jackson, NH. You can see more of his art work and bio on his website here. |
New Owners as of February 2018
As business partners John & Carlotta have managed successful commercial properties. Carlotta will be seen either glued to a computer screen or running around the property jacked up on one too many cups of coffee. John primarily works as an artist in NH however may be seen around the property taking down a purple striped painting that Carlotta tried to pair with a framed orange zucchini poster... Eli devours books, all things magical, and is obsessed with creating stories about dogs taking over the world. Eli's favorite villain is his sister Luna, who, you may not realize, is a warlord of immense power who could take over the world in an instant.
As business partners John & Carlotta have managed successful commercial properties. Carlotta will be seen either glued to a computer screen or running around the property jacked up on one too many cups of coffee. John primarily works as an artist in NH however may be seen around the property taking down a purple striped painting that Carlotta tried to pair with a framed orange zucchini poster... Eli devours books, all things magical, and is obsessed with creating stories about dogs taking over the world. Eli's favorite villain is his sister Luna, who, you may not realize, is a warlord of immense power who could take over the world in an instant.
Staff Break Room
Core Values
Integrity: As it relates to adherence to moral and ethical principles, authenticity, and the state of being whole and undivided
Hospitality: As it relates to customer service, attentiveness, friendliness, openness, empathy, and creating a welcoming environment
Excellence: As it relates to being the best version of ourselves, a passionate commitment to continuous improvement, and lastly, paying meticulous attention to details while maintaining a vision of the big picture and worldly perspective.
Unity: As it relates to collaboration with individuals, organizations, and community, as well as connection to the earth, one another and the Divine
Gratitude: As it relates to thankfulness, reverence, love & grace
Integrity: As it relates to adherence to moral and ethical principles, authenticity, and the state of being whole and undivided
Hospitality: As it relates to customer service, attentiveness, friendliness, openness, empathy, and creating a welcoming environment
Excellence: As it relates to being the best version of ourselves, a passionate commitment to continuous improvement, and lastly, paying meticulous attention to details while maintaining a vision of the big picture and worldly perspective.
Unity: As it relates to collaboration with individuals, organizations, and community, as well as connection to the earth, one another and the Divine
Gratitude: As it relates to thankfulness, reverence, love & grace
Previous Owners
Originally the resort was developed by the Richardson's in the 1950's, then sold to the Ayers in the 1980's who sold to the Woodward's in late 1990's. Woody & Dee Woodward have been exceedingly generous with their time in helping ground us in the workings of the hotel/motel and in sharing the keys to success of managing Highland Lake Resort. Woody and his wife Dee, a teacher and business expert, lovingly cared for the property for almost 20 years. Dee, is an authentic, kind and brilliant woman who devoted 25 years to educating youth in our Maine communities. Woody is a larger then life character with a colorful background, a giant heart and an arsenal of intriguing stories. His diverse background includes being a sheriff, a business entrepreneur, a professional magician, a family planning counselor, and more. His latest calling is to serve people & God by becoming a Pastor. He is currently positioned at Cressey Methodist Church, in Gorham, Maine. Both Dee and Woody share their talents, their love & their lives with all those around them. Thank you Woody & Dee for everything, and may you enjoy the next adventure wherever it leads you!
Originally the resort was developed by the Richardson's in the 1950's, then sold to the Ayers in the 1980's who sold to the Woodward's in late 1990's. Woody & Dee Woodward have been exceedingly generous with their time in helping ground us in the workings of the hotel/motel and in sharing the keys to success of managing Highland Lake Resort. Woody and his wife Dee, a teacher and business expert, lovingly cared for the property for almost 20 years. Dee, is an authentic, kind and brilliant woman who devoted 25 years to educating youth in our Maine communities. Woody is a larger then life character with a colorful background, a giant heart and an arsenal of intriguing stories. His diverse background includes being a sheriff, a business entrepreneur, a professional magician, a family planning counselor, and more. His latest calling is to serve people & God by becoming a Pastor. He is currently positioned at Cressey Methodist Church, in Gorham, Maine. Both Dee and Woody share their talents, their love & their lives with all those around them. Thank you Woody & Dee for everything, and may you enjoy the next adventure wherever it leads you!