Our Staff - High Point Village

High Point Village Staff

Nathan Bryant, Executive Director

Nathan Bryant

Nathan is a native West Texan who spent over half of his childhood in the Houston area. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Texas Tech University and a law degree from the University of Houston. For the past 20 years, Nathan has led teams and ministries while serving in various pastoral roles across Texas. Most recently, he served as the Lead Pastor at Grace City Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Nathan is the father of Zeke and Maggie and husband of Christina.

Chris Ramos, Program Director

About Chris

Chris Ramos

With more than 34 years of experience across a range of organizations—including Texas Health and Human Services agencies, multiple local school districts, and Texas Tech University’s Burkhart Center—Chris brings a strong commitment to Villager success, personal development, and fostering positive productivity in every individual. His work is grounded in a deep belief in building self-worth and supporting meaningful progress for all learners. Chris has been connected to High Point Village since 2011, initially serving as an AEC teacher specializing in social skills and art. He has spent over two years as a dedicated team member at High Point Village since 2023.

Chris holds an AS-BGS degree with concentrations in psychology, sociology, and human development and family studies from Texas Tech University. He later earned a Master of Education degree with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis, also from Texas Tech.

Beyond his contributions in education and human services, Chris is an active local artist who primarily works in acrylics. His artistic style spans abstract, pop art, impressionism, and modern art, influenced by creatives such as Andy Warhol, Piet Mondrian, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. His work is regularly showcased in Lubbock’s First Friday Art Trail. Chris has been married for over 15 years and is a proud father of two sons.

Natalie Hendrix, LMSW, Social Services Director

About Natalie

Natalie Hendrix

Born and raised in Lubbock, Natalie received her BA in Psychology from Texas A&M in 2001 and her Masters in Social Work at UT Austin in 2003. Working with incredible people like the Villagers has been a career goal for Natalie, and she is so very excited to be fulfilling her dream role here at High Point Village!

Natalie has served High Point since October 2021 through offering Villagers and their families support, resource connection, crisis intervention and respite services.

Natalie spends most of her time outside of work cheering on her two boys, James and Charlie, in their athletic endeavors.

Deborah Finlayson, Development Director

About Deborah

Deborah Finlayson

Deborah has lived in Lubbock her entire adult life after attending Texas Tech University. A professional fundraiser for 30 years, Deborah says the most important thing she has learned is that true fundraising success centers around the happiness and fulfillment a donor receives from knowing they have helped a cause they truly believe in. Her efforts are poured into the goal to sustain and build upon the excellent programming provided for our Villagers.

Deborah has experience working at Texas Tech, the YWCA and the American Red Cross, but she said, “Nothing has quite had the effect on me as High Point Village. Having spent most of my adulthood with no interaction with people who have intellectual disabilities, I am overwhelmed with the love and compassion and the abilities that each Villager possesses. Their very own passion for life and for purpose is heartwarming and fills each day with hope and reward.”

Deborah and her husband, Craig, have two adult children. Their empty nest includes their dog, Ande. Deborah spends her time singing for the First United Methodist Church choir, serving as an advisor for the Delta Gamma Sorority, and serving as a sustaining member of the Jr. League of Lubbock. She loves large family puzzles and having guests stay at her house; some of the most interesting were 3 men from Kiev that did not speak any English at all, and she spent the weekend using all kinds of symbols to communicate.

Katie Crump, Community Engagement Director

About Katie

Katie Crump

Katie began at High Point Village in 2018 as a part of the programs team before moving to the development team. Working at High Point is one of her greatest joys. Katie has three kids, and you can usually find her jamming to Taylor Swift while working.

Jim Tidwell, Finance Director

About Jim

Jim Tidwell

Originally from San Angelo, TX, Jim got his bachelor’s in accounting from Angelo State University before spending 19 years in banking at Centennial Bank/Citizens Bank-Slaton. Jim came to High Point Village in 2023. In his free time you can find Jim with his three granddaughters, cheering them on at their soccer and basketball games and dance recitals.

Lori Savedra, Office Manager

About Lori

Lori Savedra

Lori was born and raised in Lubbock, TX and attended the International Business College. Lori worked at the Women’s Protective Services for six years as a project coordinator before coming to High Point Village in 2014. Her favorite things are her husband and three children and 49ers football!

Cassidy Reeves, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

About Cassidy

Cassidy Reeves

Cassidy was born and raised right here in Lubbock, Texas. A lifelong Red Raiders fan, she graduated from Texas Tech in 2022 with a B.A. in Public Relations and Strategic Communication Management. During her time at Tech, she interned at Habitat for Humanity and was involved in the community service organization Miller Girls, which is how she learned about High Point Village. In 2021 she moved to Disney World to participate in the Disney College Program, where she worked at the Magic Kingdom. After graduation she worked at the YWCA before coming to High Point in March of 2023.

Her favorite things are watching and talking baseball (go Dodgers!), F1, her pug dog, and creating content with the Villagers!

Chloee Smiley, Volunteer & Enrichment Coordinator

About Chloee

Chloee Smiley

Chloee has worked with individuals with disabilities since 2015. She and her mother first found High Point Village through the National Charity League during their annual summer camp. From that moment on, Chloee knew the Lord had called her to help enrich the lives of people with disabilities as well as support them on their journey to achieve their full potential. She spent her time in high school teaching a drama class for High Point’s Afternoon Enrichment as well as interning during the summer. She has been a full-time employee since August of 2022 and graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of General Studies degree with concentrations in psychology, English, and human development and family sciences in August of 2024. She even met her husband, Matthew, through High Point Village.

“While some people may list Disney World or Paris, High Point Village is my favorite place on Earth. Throughout the years, my love for this place and this population has only grown. The Villagers have truly become some of my best friends, and I am so fortunate that the Lord has given me the opportunity to love and support each and every one of them.”

Nicole Hwozdek, Lead Program Coordinator

About Nicole

Nicole Hwozdek

Nicole grew up in Southern California and attended Cal State Fullerton, where she received her bachelor’s degree and teaching credentials. After Nicole moved to Lubbock, she received her Texas teaching license and taught first grade until she came to High Point in May of 2023. Nicole has 3 kids; her oldest has Down Syndrome. Nicole loves spending time with her family, coffee, Padres baseball and trying new projects with the Villagers.

“I love getting to know the Villagers and feel blessed to be a part of their lives every day. This job is a blessing, and I feel like I am exactly where I should be!”

Isabel Luna, Art Coordinator

About Isabel

Isabel Luna

Isabel is from Odessa, Texas and is currently pursuing an art therapy degree at Texas Tech University. She states that “My time at High Point has deeply inspired my commitment to the field of art therapy and strengthened my desire to bring greater awareness to the unique strengths and needs of individuals with autism and other special needs. This year, I am especially excited to introduce our Villagers to new artistic mediums, including ink printing, while also revitalizing our pottery program and bead-working station. In addition to the generous art grants we have received, I am thrilled to be developing a collaborative art sculpture that will complement our beautiful garden and showcase the creativity of our community. Most meaningful to me has been the opportunity to build relationships with all 72 Villagers, supporting each of them in expressing their feelings and creativity through art. I have found immense fulfillment in witnessing the joy, growth, and confidence that art can bring, and I look forward to continuing to cultivate spaces where every Villager’s voice can be seen, heard, and celebrated.”

Fun fact: Isabel is a HUGE plant fan!

Joshua Kuhnley, Fitness Coordinator

About Joshua

Joshua Kuhnley

Joshua received his Bachelor of Humanities in Youth and Family Ministry from Lubbock Christian University. Joshua came to High Point in May 2024 and took over Special Olympics, coaching the High Point Hurricanes in bowling, basketball, and bocce ball.

Joshua is a huge sports fan and outdoor enthusiast. In his free time, he spends time with his wife and two sons. He loves camping, fishing, coaching his son’s soccer team, and teaching fitness at 5:15 a.m. every morning.

Ramzi Adams, Dream Big Coordinator

About Ramzi

Ramzi Adams

Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Ramzi has been with High Point since January of 2025. Throughout high school, she volunteered during the summers at a camp for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After graduating, she started working as a personal care assistant for geriatric patients, where she found her love for direct care. She later went on to work as a registered behavioral therapist at Lubbock Autism Academy, which affirmed her calling to work with individuals with IDD.

Ramzi created the ‘Dream Big Cafe’ to increase Reach High and Dream Big interactions and to form a stronger community throughout High Point. She is passionate about creating a safe, loving, and most importantly fun space for all Villagers.

“I am just so thankful that their happy place became mine as well.”

Lorena Rodriguez, Dream Big Coordinator

About Lorena

Lorena Rodriguez

Raised in a small football-night-lights country town, Lorena participated in marching band, playing the flute, attended track meets, sang in her church’s choir, and helped teach church classes. Lorena attended medical massage school at Rub Me the Right Way during her time at the LbSSLC. She made the switch over to High Point Village in 2025 after 8 years at the State Supported Living Center. There she was able to mold her passion in direct care as she did a little bit of everything, including clerical work, working in the diner, implementing life skills classes, planning events and activities, selling residents’ handmade crafts, and leading a vocational arts camp.

Lorena, her husband and son enjoy spending time together trying local cuisine, driving around sightseeing, and playing LOTS of games.

“I am praying to bring new ideas and fun energy to the Villagers and create lasting relationships!”

Haylee Dill, Reach High Coordinator

About Haylee

Haylee Dill

Haylee is from the Lubbock area and attended Texas Tech, earning a B.S. in Psychology, a B.A. in Social Work, and an M.Ed. in Community Counseling. She is a licensed professional counselor and has also served as a licensed social worker. After dedicating 11 years to a career in juvenile justice, Haylee has spent the past few years devoting her time to multiple community organizations, including High Point, while raising her 9-year-old daughter, Kolbee! She has been teaching Afternoon Enrichment Classes since the fall of 2023 and started as a Reach High Coordinator in February of 2025. Haylee loves watching Kolbee’s cheer competitions, hiking and eating snacks!

Lily Guttery, Reach High Coordinator

About Lily

Lily Guttery

Lily grew up in Fort Worth and moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University. She earned her degree from Texas Tech in Human Development and Family Sciences. She completed her practicum here at High Point and started full-time after graduating in December of 2023. Lily’s goal for her classroom is to create a safe space that encourages kindness and healthy relationships. “I want to make sure each villager leaving my room feels valued and encouraged!”

Outside of High Point Lily enjoys crafting, baking and spending time with her dog, Pickle.

Maddie Havens, Reach High Coordinator

About Maddie

Maddie Havens

Maddie was born and raised right here in Lubbock, TX. She graduated from Texas Tech University in May 2024 with her B.S. in Human Development and Family Science. She then started full-time at High Point the following Monday. Maddie completed her practicum at High Point Village with the development team and fell in love with the mission! Outside of High Point, you can find Maddie playing pickleball with friends or watching her favorite show, Survivor.

Olivia Mullis, Reach High Coordinator

About Olivia

Olivia Mullis

Olivia grew up in Tennessee and then moved to Texas after high school in 2016. In 2014, she started volunteering at a summer camp for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Camp Blessing (now Beloved and Beyond), and later went on to work there on staff for 4 summers. While in Fort Worth, she worked as a full-time nanny for three kids. She then moved to Lubbock in late 2024 and began at High Point Village in January of 2025, where she knows the Lord has called her. Outside of High Point, Olivia loves traveling and spending time with her friends, family, and dog. Fun fact: Olivia is a certified doula!

“I am so thankful to get to work at a place where the joy outweighs everything. Even on the hard days, there is nowhere else I would rather be.”

Charlane Russell, Reach High Coordinator

About Charlane

Charlane Russell

Charlane is a native of Lubbock, Texas. She is a proud graduate of the University of North Texas-Dallas, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in sociology. She went on to matriculate through Grace International Seminary for Women, Dallas, Texas. She is an ordained minister with a professional background in mental health/substance use recovery. She has worked as a chaplain and community mental health educator and has worked with domestic violence and trauma survivors and at-risk youth in the Dallas area. After 23 years in the Dallas area, Charlane returned home to Lubbock. Prior to her current role at High Point, she was a Christian preschool teacher.

Amanda Herrera, Administrative Support Specialist

About Amanda

Amanda Herrera

Amanda joined the High Point Village team in 2024 after working in education for 8 years. She is currently working on her degree in business administration. In her free time you can usually find Amanda going to sporting events with her 3 kids.

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