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
2019 & we're off into our second year! Samanthia Valente is at the helm as general manager, Wolfie (aka Mark Philips) is continuously improving our grounds, Robyn Bragdon our cafe manager is breathing wholesome delicous food into our fledging cafe and a handful of other jewels are fueling Highland with love & energy. Our housekeepers, cafe personel, front desk staff and managment all go above and beyond to care for guests needs, and help Highland run smoothly. At Highland Lake Resort employees are asked after they clock in to take 5 minutes to use as they wish (soak up sun, read, meditation, stretch, etc.) to help drop their head into their heart. We acknowldege that life is busy and often wrought with challenges, but if we focus our attention on the present, what is good and wholy 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 radiated throughout the property & your stay. To our 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!
2019 & we're off into our second year! Samanthia Valente is at the helm as general manager, Wolfie (aka Mark Philips) is continuously improving our grounds, Robyn Bragdon our cafe manager is breathing wholesome delicous food into our fledging cafe and a handful of other jewels are fueling Highland with love & energy. Our housekeepers, cafe personel, front desk staff and managment all go above and beyond to care for guests needs, and help Highland run smoothly. At Highland Lake Resort employees are asked after they clock in to take 5 minutes to use as they wish (soak up sun, read, meditation, stretch, etc.) to help drop their head into their heart. We acknowldege that life is busy and often wrought with challenges, but if we focus our attention on the present, what is good and wholy 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 radiated throughout the property & your stay. To our 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
|
Property Warden
Wolfie (aka Mark Philips) Joining our team as Property Engineer, Wolfie brings decades of experience in groundskeeping, and property care. We are ectastic to have a grounds persons on site 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. |
General Manager
"Martha" Stewart (aka Samanthia Valente) As Highland Lake Resort's manager, Samanthia goes above and beyond the call of duty. It was common in the grueling early months for this angel to work into the night and still make us laugh so intensely our stomachs hurt. She continues to breathe creativity, and passion in all our endeavors. The combination of her dedication, grit, creativity and love are unparalleled. |
Café Manager
"Click" (aka Robyn Bragdon) Joins our team as we prepare to open the cafe to the public. She has been in the hospitality business for over 10 years and loves connecting with customers to make sure they have a truly unforgettable experience. Whether she is serving you a 3 course meal, or a simple coffee, she will do what she can to make sure you are smiling when you leave. When Robyn is not working you can find her on the beach taking photos, her true passion. You can see more of her photos at Facebook.com/robynannphotos We are excited to have her part of the team! |
|
In the center is the: "Captain" aka Nick Scarlett returns for a second year of crazy at Highland Lake Resort. He is in his final year of undergrad at Emory and plans on studying law. Anyone who enjoys the swings at Highland Lake Resort can thank the Captain for putting them together in 2018 along with a 100 other contributions along the journey...
|
On the left: "Gustino" aka Justin Mario DiBiase has picked up cooking from Aloha like a wizard. His entrepreneurial drive and compassion for others has helped drive the cafe's success. Gustino mans the grill on Aloha's days off and offers smiles and warm welcomes to guests even after working over the hot grill for hours. We are honored to be hosting his wedding next Spring.
|
In the center: "Aloha" aka Casey Winsell, our head cook hails from the midwest but most recently came to us from Hawaii. His name is fitting as he has a calm and steady demeanor that is typically so needed in a busy kitchen. Aloha patiently teaches the rest of the crew members techniques that help improve their culinary skills as well as help the kitchen run smoothly. Mahalo brother!
|
|
Notorious B.G. aka Beyza Korkmas comes to our cafe from Turkey. Her sense of humor and wit is astounding as she works on mastering the English language while assisting the cafe operations. She is wholesome and radiant to the core and has enriched our Highland community with her presence. Our only concern was whether she would run off with Motor Booty Affair after an epic concert at Pleasant Mountain Inn!
|
Flash back to our 2018 Staff
Yes we were just as crazy then as we are now... |
Luna ensures that everyone stays cool and only asks for an occasional tummy rub or cookie for compensation.
|
|
Reservation Specialist, 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! |
Reservation Specialist, Maureen McDevitt, is a goddess of volunteering. She helps out Eco-Maine, local food and thrift stores and many others. As a retiree she knows the secret to a fulfilling life is one of service to others. She has lived and breathed the virtue of service her entire life. We're blessed to have her help Highland pursue a greener more sustainable future.
|
Reservation Specialist, "Luna", (as in "Lovegood") aka Lindsey Niles greets guests in a whimsicle tone. She is always bringing delicious treats from asia for fellow employees to try to expand our taste bud horizons. The above photo was taken in Japan as she loves to explore the world and share it's exotic treasures.
|
|
Tom Cat (aka Ellery Hunt)
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 grueling 95 degree days when all 22 rooms need to be cleaned, she doesn't lose her smile and is quick to laugh. We are blessed to have her young energy invigorate Highland. |
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. |
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! |
|
Front and center: "Jo Jo", aka Lisa Zullo is sandwiched between Rocket & Tom Cat. Her beloved son Joseph was lord of the kitchen in the spring of 2018. When not helping make Highland sparkling clean, she shares her love of Christ with her church and community. Jo Jo is a thorough cleaner who brings a deep goodness to Highland every shift.
|
Front and center: "St. Joseph" aka Joseph Zullo put his heart and soul into Highland Cafe during the winter 2018/spring 2019. He has gone on to conquer the world, but his heart will always be in our little cafe.
|
"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! |
|
a"Sergeant" aka Roger Landry has served our country in the armed forces and blessed our little resort. His bride is our reservation specialist Jewels, and they generously offer our staff summer rides on their boat. Sergeant has helped us in more than one time crunch to get Highland fully operational and upgraded for guests. Thank you Serg for your service to our country and to Highland!
|
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!
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.
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!
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