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.  

Art installation in the hallway to our meditation room created by local artist and illustrator: Cheryl Johnson.

Our Rock Star Team
2025 is our eighth season!  
​ The crew we have is amazing and we are so grateful for their versatility in stepping up into other jobs as needed.   We acknowledge that life is busy and often wrought with challenges, but if we focus our attention on the present, what is good and holy in the moment, miracles happen and grace abounds. We want Highland to "Celebrate the Goodness of Humanity" by honoring and delighting in one another and our guests.  We hope you feel our intention and goodness radiate throughout the property & your stay.
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​~ ​TO HIGHLAND LAKE RESORT STAFF ~
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!  

~   The Jewels of Highland Lake   ~ 

Rich
Angler (aka Rich Proia) has been coming to Bridgton since the 1970's.  Summer memories were filled with fishing, skiing, swimming and exploring the beauty of Maine.  In 1992 Rich purchased land in Bridgton and spent the next decade building his own home.  Retiring from a career as a maintenance technician, for child care centers, he comes to our facility with abundant experience.  He lives with his lovely wife and golden lab only minutes from the resort. This Cool Cat won Bridgton 2023 Golf Tournament!  CONGRATS CHAMP!

Heather
We are blessed to have Heather as the General Manager at Highland Lake Resort. A natural leader and passionate traveler, Heather brings a calm, grounded energy as she lives by the advice, “Don’t take the little things for granted.”  A night owl at heart, Heather’s favorite flower is the sunflower—radiant and resilient, just like her. She loves pizza, Chinese food, and unwinding in warm, tropical weather. Her greatest joy comes from seeing the people around her happy. Heather adores her family, including her husband, two beautiful children, and their golden retriever, Simba—who you might spot wagging around the resort now and then. We're excited to have her leading the way

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Carmen
​​This local gem volunteers for numerous civic and nonprofit organizations in Bridgton.  She loves spending time with friends and her beloved grandson (just finished his first year of college - Congratulations!!!!).  Nature fills her with peace and in addition to the treasures of Maine, Carmen loves the Grand Canyon, Waimea Canyon, and Utah Mountains.  This angle states that if she could have any superpower it would be to heal people. What love!​

Lucy
​​We are blessed to have Lucy re join our team during her second summer living in Maine! This kind hearted soul is an early bird who loves the smell of fresh cut grass & the beauty of hygrangeas.  If she could have any superpower it would be to fly (just look at the birds!). She adores her grandchildren, enjoys gardening, and vising lakes and beaches.  She is also a creative soul who makes beautiful crafts. 

Kristin
Kristin has been with us three years now helping with special projects, cleaning and  keeping our plants healthy and thriving.  She has a gentle soul, loving her family, both two leggeds and four leggeds and tending her vegetable garden.  Among other skills she has been a talented puzzle maker for over a decade and enjoys the challenge of weaving the loose ends of life into meaning and cohesion.  

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Dontia 
Meet Dontia —a hardworking, passionate, and determined individual from the beautiful island of Jamaica!  Dontia brings a vibrant spirit and a strong work ethic to everything he does. He enjoys spending time with friends and playing football (soccer) for fun and fitness. Known for never backing down from a challenge, Dontia lives by a powerful piece of advice from a teacher: with hard work and determination, anything is possible. This belief continues to drive him forward through life’s ups and downs. Inspired by the strength of the Phoenix, he takes pride in his growth, achievements, and ongoing life journey.​

Mia
We're thrilled to welcome Mia from Bulgaria this summer! A true night owl (she loves her coffee), Mia brings a warm heart, love for children, and a deep appreciation for mindfulness and nature. At 23, she’s navigating adulthood with grace—some days soaring, others winging it. She believes by loving yourself you can share that love more fully with others, she cherishes the joy kids bring her, and finds peace in simple things like the smell of vanilla. If she had a superpower, it would be spreading happiness with just a smile. We’re so glad she’s here to share her light with us!

Hazal
​Meet Hazal, a wonderful member of our housekeeping team who comes to us all the way from the glorious city of Istanbul, Turkey! Hazal brings warmth, generosity, and a strong work ethic to everything she does, and we feel lucky to have her with us. She recently surprised the entire staff with boxes of delicious Pişmaniye—a sweet Turkish treat that everyone should try if they ever get the chance (trust us, it’s amazing!). Hazal loves traveling, chatting with people from different cultures, and discovering new flavors—especially when paired with a good cup of coffee. Her passion for helping others and eagerness to learn make her a joy to work with. We’re so grateful to have her as part of the Highland Lake Resort family!​​
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Carlos
Meet Carlos, a Jack of All Trades and a Master of Many! Whether he’s tending the grounds, fixing a leaky faucet, greeting guests at the front desk, or serving up something delicious in the café his infectious optimism, tireless work ethic, and can-do attitude are gifts at Highland.   With a background in construction, culinary arts, and an adventurous spirit that’s taken him across the U.S., he’s worn many hats. Carlos is also a talented artist, and we’re honored to feature some of his work in our café.   We’re incredibly lucky to have such a versatile and dedicated team member who makes every day brighter for staff and guests alike.

Keegan
Meet Keegan, one of the energetic and multi-talented team members here at Highland Lake Resort! A recent graduate with a degree in Business Administration and Management, Keegan brings a fresh perspective and a great attitude to every task he takes on. He assists across several departments—whether it’s welcoming guests at the front desk, helping out in housekeeping, or tackling tech issues and website updates, Keegan is always ready to lend a hand. Outside of work, he’s passionate about traveling, enjoys all genres of music, and loves spending time with his dogs. His versatility, creativity, and warm personality make him an invaluable part of our crew—and we’re truly grateful to have him on the team!

Marley 
Marley joined our team to keep our systems sharp and running smoothly.
Outside of work, Marley enjoys playing video games with his friends, and he’s always planning his next Dungeons & Dragons session. On the side, he works as an audio technician for a local theater! His favorite thing about working in IT is the satisfaction that comes with fixing a tricky problem and the soothing hum of a networking rack.​
He is available for freelance work in Maine & New Hampshire website: https://smimg.carrd.co
email: [email protected]

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Owners

John Girouard and Carlotta Girouard jointly purchased Highland Lake Resort in February 2018.  

Twitch (Carlotta) resides in Bridgton and continues to establish structures and policies at Highland.  Her background includes work in hospice, emergency medicine, public policy, substance abuse & food banks.   Inspired by the teachings of Richard Rohr, the courage of Homeboy Industries and volunteer opportunities in the ME & NH prison systems, Carlotta aims to help individuals see how inherently precious, holy and loved they are... including you, yes you reading this right now!  ​

 The owner of the nose is Luna (aka Luna Lovegood).   For those with beloved pets please see our Pet Resources page for places to care for your four legged family members while you stay with us. 

​John is a Maine native currently residing in the White Mountains of NH.  He is a gun rights advocate and indulges in the beauty of the region by fishing, hiking and hunting.  In addition to commercial real estate investing,  John works primarily as an artist and continues to offer his creative and intuitive gifts enriching the resort.  John is the current president of the Mount Washington Valley Arts Association.  You can view John's art work here:  www.johnalangirouard.com   ​

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Vision 
​We are co-creating a sanctuary which fosters a deeper awareness of, and appreciation for, the beauty, goodness and interconnectedness of all living beings so that we may aid in the healing and consciousness transformation of the world. 
 
Mission  
We celebrate the goodness of humanity and nourish our guests & employees by offering impeccable hospitality on inspirational grounds with interactive exhibits that inspire peace, unity, gratitude, reverence and joy! 
 

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 paying meticulous attention to details.
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

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Staff Break Room

I don't mean to brag but we have the BEST staff on the planet. 
​Love you for all the amazing things you do for our guests, one another & the community!