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
2023 is our sixth 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.

​~ ​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 two labs only minutes from the resort. 2023 update- this Cool Cat won Bridgton Golf Tournament!  CONGRATS CHAMP!

Bobbie
Our Queen Bee is General Manager, Bobbie Arsenault! What a treasure we have found! Bobbie brings over a decade of management experience in the hospitality industry and has participated in numerous volunteer services for children and families throughout Maine. Brilliant, kind, beautiful and quite serious as her mug shot indicates.  Her nickname is Leprechaun for her uncanny ability to turn opportunities into gold. Thanks for joining our team Bobbie!

Riley
Riley attends Johnson & Wales University studying Sports, Entertainment & Event Management with a specialization in Live Entertainment. 
One of the best books you ever read?
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
What’s your favorite scent? 
Morning Dew or right before the rain 
If you could infuse the world with more ____ what would it be ? 
Peace & kindness 

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Dan
Dan grew up in Maine soaking in all the goodness of the area.  He was an avid baseball player for a few decades and spent a lot of time with his father exploring the coast on his boat. His talents include mechanics, plumbing, carpentry, landscaping and more. Dan enjoys fishing boating and spending time with his two boys and his wife, who is the love of his life.  In 2023 they became proud grandparents of triplets!!!  
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Denitsa
​Denitsa is one of our only night owls, and an exchange student from Bulgaria.  Last year she worked in Camden, ME and now we are the lucky ones to have her!!! She is studying food science at a university.  Deni, as some call her, loves the smell of vanilla, dining on Asian food, and being out in nature.  If she could have any super power it would be teleportation to go anywhere, anytime! She is saving up for a home for her and her beloved Alexander in Bulgaria.

Vladimir
Vladimir, also from Bulgaria, is another courageous soul traveling to the USA to work and explore a new culture. This college student loves working out, fishing, boxing, hiking and most physical activities.  If he could infuse the world with more of anything it would be LOVE (which he does already by being his wonderful self!). While he misses his friends and family back home he is enjoying exploring this new culture and terrain.​

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Nancy
​Nancy is a local resident of the Lakes Region and happily married with three grown sons and a dog.  She has done amazing work as a social worker, & vocational rehabilitation specialist.  Her passion is helping children and elderly in need.  She is a kayak enthusiast, and loves reading, yoga, coffee and local dining spots.  She is a wonderful part of our Highland Lake Resort Family!

Lucy
​​We are blessed to have Lucy join our team during her first 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. 

Kristen
​Kristen FMI Coming Soon 

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Kayla
Kayla joins our housekeeping team this year as a professional powerhouse. She loves all things about plants and the natural world which she finds relaxing.  If she could infuse the world with anything it would be more understanding, as the more we understand the less we fear. Someday she aims to learn sterling silver handweaving.  Kayla brings her little sister Lysha with her to work as she is her care provider.

​Lysha
​Lysha has a smile that can light up the sky! She enjoys dancing, music and Mickey Mouse.  If she could travel anywhere it would be Disney World. She accompanies her big sister Kayla to work. Lysha is neurodiverse so she engages with the world in her own beautiful, unique way.  We are blessed to have this joyful young woman hang around with us while Kayla transforms our previously occupied rooms into sparkling clean sanctuaries.   

Carmen
​This local gem volunteers for numerous civic and nonprofit organizations in Bridgton.  She loves spending time with friends and her beloved grandson.  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!

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Eddie

Brandon

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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 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!  ​

 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!