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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.
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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
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 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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Jessica Blackwell: Reservation Specialist. Jessica always has a smile on her face and an aura of kindness surrounds her. This front desk specialist rocks the house with her steadfast attention to detail and gentle personality. She recently moved to the Lake Region area with her husband and her two boys and we are blessed to have her part of our team!
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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! |
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. |
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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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Andrew Whited
One of our newest members is stellar at following our covid protocols and paying meticulous attention to the safety and cleanliness of the resort. When asked if he should conceal his tatoo- we replied: don't you dare hide that sweet art! See more to right: |
Check out Andrew's epic infinity symbol with audio sound waves (you'd have to ask him what it says). We think it's so cool it earned a spot on our About page. Grateful to have you on board Andrew!
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Justin
This responsible Fryeburg Academy senior jumped into the end of our 2020 season with a steadfast commitment to work hard and co-create a welcoming environment for our guests. Also a fellow rock hound he's gifted Highland with some gorgeous finds he mined in some of Maine's finest open active mining areas. Pics to follow... Thanks for joining our team Justin! |
Chrissy
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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 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. You can view his art work here: www.johnalangirouard.com Carlotta (aka Twitch) resides in Bridgton and 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 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. You can view his art work here: www.johnalangirouard.com Carlotta (aka Twitch) resides in Bridgton and 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 changed hands several times until 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. Woody is currently positioned at a church in Florida and Dee found a teaching position in that sunshine state. 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 changed hands several times until 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. Woody is currently positioned at a church in Florida and Dee found a teaching position in that sunshine state. 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 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
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
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!
