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
2026 is our ninth season!  
​ At Highland Lake Resort, our exceptional, versatile team is the heart of your experience. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to stepping up whenever needed. By focusing on the present moment our staff strives to live our vision and "Celebrate the Goodness of Humanity." We honor both each other and our guests with gratitude. We hope this heartfelt intention radiates throughout your stay and creates unforgettable memories.

​~ ​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

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. You can learn more about her other work and the centuries-old art of wooden puzzle crafting here: Elms Puzzles - Handcut Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles since 1987 

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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. 

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!​

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.

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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.​

Nicole
Coming Soon
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Carla
Meet Carla, the talent overseeing all bar operations at Highland Lake Resort! Recently retired from a corporate career at the TJX Corporation, she now channels her management expertise into elevating our guest experience. Carla loves curating exciting new drink specials, ensuring there is always a fresh and delicious flavor to try. When she is off the clock, she embraces the lake life by boating, exploring local waters, and hitting live music festivals. Most of all, she treasures relaxing alongside her husband and their beloved Labrador, Rocky.

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​Emily aka Yun En
Hi, I’m Emily from Taiwan, a dessert lover who enjoys traveling and playing badminton or having picnics in my free time.  I have a positive outlook on life and enjoy finding joy in the little things.  A cup of bubble tea can always brighten my day! 

Jimmy aka Cemil
Ciao, I'm Cemil from Turkey and civil engineering student in Italy. My biggest passion is to travel and meet new people from different backgrounds, sharing cultures making new friend and having fun of course. Also hiking in the forest, reading, playing chess and going gym are my routines. I'm assertive at chess!

Fiona
Fiona is originally from Philadelphia but has always enjoyed coming to Maine. Now that she lives and works here, she has more time for hiking, kayaking, and taking long walks. She's an avid reader and loves a good chat.

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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]

Leslie Lo aka Sz Yun
I just graduated with a degree in Finance and International Business this year. I'm a huge nature lover, and I really enjoy running, hiking, and all kinds of outdoor activities. My absolute favorite thing to do is use my camera to document everything that happens on my trips and bring the beautiful scenery of nature back home. I also love making new friends and hearing all of their interesting stories!

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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 this nose is Luna.

​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 are co-creating a lakeside sanctuary that connects our guests to the natural beauty of Maine across all four seasons. By fostering a culture of warmth, exceptional service, and community care, we provide a true home-away-from-home where guests can create lasting traditions.
 

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!