High Point Village Staff
Nathan Bryant, Executive Director
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
With over thirty years of experience and a Masters in Special Education from Texas Tech University, Chris brings a very strong passion for the success of all students, the development of self-worth and positive productivity in each individual student.
Chris is an active local artist and paints in acrylic. He enjoys abstract, pop art, impressionism, modern art. He enjoys Warhol. Mondrian, Monet and Van Gogh. He often shows his work on the First Friday Art Trail. Chris has been married for almost 14 years and has two sons.
Natalie Hendrix, LMSW, Social Services Director
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 Villager and family 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
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, both living and thriving in Denver, Colorado. Their empty nest includes two dogs and two cats. 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
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 is married to a Lubbock Firefighter and you can usually find her jamming to Taylor Swift while working.
Jim Tidwell, Finance Director
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. In his free time you can find Jim watching his three granddaughters participate in soccer, basketball and dance recitals
Lori Savedra, Office Manager
Lori was born and raised in Lubbock, TX and attended the International Business College. Lori worked at Women’s Protective Services for six years as a Project Coordinator before coming to High Point Village. Her favorite things are her husband and three children, and 49’ers football!
Cassidy Reeves, Marketing Coordinator
Cassidy was born and raised right here in Lubbock, Texas and 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 baseball (Go Dodgers!), F1, her pug dog and creating content with the Villagers!
Destiny Carrion, Program Coordinator of Special Events
Destiny was born in San Antonio, TX but grew up right here in Lubbock! She received her Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Science from Texas Tech University. She loves singing karaoke, cooking, and going to the farmers market!
Isabel Luna, Art Coordinator
Isabel received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education. She loves her kiddos and has a large plant collection.
Joshua Kuhnley, Fitness Coordinator
Joshua received his Bachelors of Humanities in Youth and Family Ministry from Lubbock Christian University. He loves camping, fishing, and watching sports with his wife and two boys. Joshua is a certified fitness trainer and coach for the Lubbock Soccer League
Lily Guttery, Reach High Coordinator
Lily came to High Point in the summer of 2023 for her community practicum and fell in love with the community that High Point provides. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelors in Human Development and Family Sciences. Outside of High Point Lily can be found spending time with her dog, Pickle.
“I feel so lucky to get to know and love the villagers!”
Maddie Havens, Reach High Coordinator
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. 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.
Nicole Hwozdek, Reach High Coordinator
Nicole grew up in Southern California and attended Cal State Fullerton, where she received her BA and teaching credentials. After Nicole moved to Lubbock she received her TX teaching license and taught first grade until she came to High Point. Nicole has 3 kids, her oldest has Down Syndrome. She loves hanging out at home with her family and their dog, Zoe. Nicole loves coffee, Padres baseball, spending time with her family and dogs and getting to try new projects with the Villagers
“I love getting to know the Villagers and feel blessed to be a part of their lives everyday. This job is a blessing and I feel like I am exactly where I should be!”
Charlane Russell, Reach High Coordinator
Charlane is a Native of Lubbock who spent 20 plus years in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. Charlane returned to Lubbock as a proud Graduate of the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Charlane is a trained Minister with 15 plus years of work experience in the Fields of Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery. She is a former Chaplain who worked with Senior Citizens and is the former Vice President of Tapestry Ministries, Inc. She also has experience working with at-risk youth and survivors of domestic violence.
Charlane has a passion for people and lives by the motto, “Love first, teach second.” Charlane comes to High Point Village after teaching Preschool for four years. She is looking forward to growing with High Point Village and shining light on each individual’s abilities.
Ramzi Adams, Dream Big Coordinator
Ramzi was born in Lubbock TX and attended Lubbock Christian University. She worked in a severe behavior unit as a registered behavioral therapist for 4 years. She loves Jesus, cooking and hanging out with her family and dog, Maizi.
Chloee Smiley, Dream Big Coordinator
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 supporting 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.
“While some people may list Disney World or Paris, High Point Village is my favorite place on Earth. I have been involved with High Point since 2015. Throughout the years, my love for this place and this population has only grown. My work at High Point and my relationships with the Villagers has granted me so many blessings in life. 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.”
Amanda Herrera, Administrative Support Specialist
Amanda joined the High Point Village team 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 her going to sporting events with her 3 kids.
Sheri Bearden, Program Assistant
Sheri was born in Abilene, TX and got her Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Science from Texas Tech University. In her free time she enjoys refinishing old furniture, drawing, painting, watching football and spending time with her family, 2 dogs and cat. Sheri has a special needs daughter who attends High Point.
Emma Foster, Development Intern
Emma is from Allen, TX and joined the High Point team in 2023! She found her passion during her freshmen year of high school when she began working with special needs individuals. Emma is currently studying marketing at Texas Tech University.
Outside of High Point she is a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and is a Senator for the Student Government Association. On a regular day you can find Emma teaching the hand bells class or dominating Just Dance in the big room! Fun fact, Emma has swam with whale sharks (and she wasn’t even scared).
Join the High Point Village Family TODAY!
Our mission is to create a village where individuals with intellectual disabilities can live, learn, work, worship, and achieve their full potential.
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Follow Us On Social Media