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
2020 & catapulted into our third year! Like the rest of the world, we are shaken to our core by Covid-19 and the medical, financial, social and emotional wounds this disease has instigated. Samanthia Valente, in early April, having battled several weeks of sickness (unknown etiology due to lack of testing) remains at the helm as general manager. We will begin hiring for our 2020 staff in mid May unless our health & public officials advise otherwise. We will continue our tradition of requesting employees, after clocking in, take 5 minutes to use as they wish (soak up sun, read, meditation, stretch, etc.) to help drop their head into their heart. 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.
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!
2020 & catapulted into our third year! Like the rest of the world, we are shaken to our core by Covid-19 and the medical, financial, social and emotional wounds this disease has instigated. Samanthia Valente, in early April, having battled several weeks of sickness (unknown etiology due to lack of testing) remains at the helm as general manager. We will begin hiring for our 2020 staff in mid May unless our health & public officials advise otherwise. We will continue our tradition of requesting employees, after clocking in, take 5 minutes to use as they wish (soak up sun, read, meditation, stretch, etc.) to help drop their head into their heart. 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.
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
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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. |
Grounds Keeper
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 two labs only minutes from the resort. We still haven't been able to get him to pose for us in with wigs or capes from our costume room, but just wait... |
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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! |
"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!
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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.
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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! |
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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.
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If we haven't completely scared you off contact us at info@highlandlakeresort.com for employment opportunities
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Owners
John Girouard and Carlotta Girouard jointly purchased the property in February 2018. John is a Maine native currently residing in the White Mountains of NH. He is 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. You can view his art work here: www.johnalangirouard.com Carlotta (aka Twitch) continues to establish the structure and policies at Highland with the aim of transitioning to a career as a Prison Chaplain. Inspired by the teachings of Richard Rohr, the courage of Homeboy Industries and volunteer opportunities in the NH prison system, Carlotta aims to help individuals see how inherently precious, holy and loved they are... including you, yes you reading this right now! And the owner of the nose is Luna (aka Luna Lovegood)
John Girouard and Carlotta Girouard jointly purchased the property in February 2018. John is a Maine native currently residing in the White Mountains of NH. He is 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. You can view his art work here: www.johnalangirouard.com Carlotta (aka Twitch) continues to establish the structure and policies at Highland with the aim of transitioning to a career as a Prison Chaplain. Inspired by the teachings of Richard Rohr, the courage of Homeboy Industries and volunteer opportunities in the NH prison system, Carlotta aims to help individuals see how inherently precious, holy and loved they are... including you, yes you reading this right now! And the owner of the nose is Luna (aka Luna Lovegood)
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! We love 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! We love 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
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!
Love you for all the amazing things you do for our guests, one another & the community!
