High Point Village Staff
Melynn Henry
Interim Executive Director
Melynn Henry
Melynn Henry is a native of Amarillo and a graduate of Texas A&M University. She has a background in early childhood education and elementary reading. Formerly a literacy coach for LISD, Melynn is now a busy stay-at-home mom of two small children, Poppy and Wallace. She began volunteering at High Point in 2014 at summer camp. Her involvement is dedicated to her late “sister-friend” Carey who had Down syndrome.
Melynn is married to Ryan Henry. Their family enjoys supporting the arts and attending Texas Tech sporting events. They are members of Providence Presbyterian Church.
Deborah Finlayson
Development Director
Deborah Finlayson
Deborah has lived in Lubbock her entire adult life after attending Texas Tech University. As a professional fund raiser for 30 years, Deborah says the most important thing she has learned is true fundraising success centers around the happiness and fulfillment a donor receives from knowing they have helped a cause they truly believe in. It is our mission to sustain and build upon the excellent programming provided for our Villagers so you can continue to see the difference it makes in the lives of these amazing individuals. Prior to High Point Village, I have managed the annual giving program at Texas Tech, and managed fundraising and events for the YWCA and the American Red Cross.
My husband, Craig, and I have two adult children, both living in Denver, Colorado. Our empty nest includes two dogs and two cats. I spend my volunteer time singing for First United Methodist Church choir, serving as an advisor for the Delta Gamma Sorority and serving as an active sustaining member of the Jr. League of Lubbock.
I am very honored to join this amazing family at High Point Village.
Jaimie Havens
Program Director
Jaimie Havens
“I cannot imagine a more purposeful organization,” Jaimie says, “there is nowhere else I would rather be.”
Diana Henderson
Financial Director
Diana Henderson
Diana has worked for several businesses in various accounting departments. She also spent several years as a stay at home mom and music teacher! Diana has spent the past ten years helping small businesses manage finances and maximize profits.
Diana has three grown daughters and one son-in-law. She is also the proud Grandmother to her granddaughter, Rosemary. She enjoys traveling to see her family in Houston, Dallas, Florida, and North Carolina.
“I feel very blessed to be a part of this organization,” Diana says.
Lori Savedra
Office Manager
Lori Savedra
Lori has been married to her husband Ezequiel Sr. for over twenty years and they have three adult children together.
“I strongly believe in the scripture Philippians 4:13. ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,’” said Lori. “The Villagers show me everyday that anything is possible with or without a disability.”
DeNae Cortez
Administrative Support Specialist
DeNae Cortez
DeNae is a Lubbock native but moved to DFW to attend the University of North Texas. In 2015, she returned home and helped create the non-profit organization Lubbbock-Con. She is very involved in the geek, comic and art communities in West Texas. When she isn’t spending time with her children she enjoys dressing up in cosplay and planning/hosting events all over the city.
“I feel so blessed to join the community at High Point Village and cannot wait to grow and learn with the Villagers.”
Anna Lewis
Development Coordinator
Anna Lewis
Anna was previously an intern with Make-A-Wish- North Texas as both a Program Intern and a Development Intern. She is still an active volunteer as a Wish Granter.
Hannah Phillips
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Hannah Phillips
“I feel so blessed to be a part of the High Point Village family and that I get to showcase how wonderful the Villagers are. I think I am right where God wants me to be!”
Katie Crump
Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Katie Crump
“I knew the first time I visited High Point Village that there was no other place like it. The Villagers have hearts like Jesus and have truly changed my life.”
Allison Martin
Reach High Coordinator
Allison Martin
Before coming to High Point, Allison was completing her degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
“The best part of working here is being able to see the Villagers everyday,” said Allison. “They continue to bring joy into my life.”
Avery Williamson
Reach High Coordinator
Avery Williamson
Avery graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a degree in Fitness, Recreation and Sport Management in 2019. He moved to Lubbock, Texas in the beginning of 2020 and is now currently working on his masters in healthcare administration at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He married his wife in September of 2020. In Averys free time he enjoys exercising, fishing, golfing, campfires, and hanging out with his friends.
“I am excited to work at High Point Village because it is a new opportunity for me to serve others with grace, portraying the image Jesus does each and every day for us.”
Taylor Davis
Art Instructor
Taylor Davis
Taylor’s background is in book keeping, office management, and human resources. She is also a life-long artist!
Taylor is the person she is today because of her parents Jim and Glenda Bertram as well as her late brother Chris, who was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. In her spare time, Taylor loves to golf, garden, and paint. She is married to Tim Davis.
“I cannot imagine the world without people with special needs. I believe they are a gift from God!”
Grace Gomez, MT-BC
Therapy Services Director
Grace Gomez, MT-BC
“I am so grateful to be able to use my gifts and education on a day to day basis and be apart of this fantastic team!”
Abigail Chua
Music Therapist
Abigail Chua
Abigail is a UK and US certified Music Therapist. She obtained her Masters in Music Therapy from Roehampton University and graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Music. Trained in the psychodynamic approach and in Neurological Music Therapy, Abigail uses skills like instrumental and vocal improvisation, counseling, songwriting, and adaptive piano lessons, to accomplish with clients their therapeutic goals. She has provided music therapy to children, adults, and elderly with special needs, and is happy to now be serving Villagers in the wholesome environment of High Point Village.
“Staff and Villagers collectively show me parts of our loving Creator.”
Caleb Hayslip
Dream Big Coordinator
Caleb Hayslip
Caleb Hayslip was born and raised in Lubbock, TX. Caleb has been a volunteer at High Point Village for over five years and in August of 2020 was hired on as our new Dream Big Coordinator. He and his loving wife Summer are so happy to be a part of the High Point Family and see all the great things God has planned for this organization.
Jordan Bilbrey
Program Coordinator
Jordan Bilbrey
Marybeth Spinuzzi
Spiritual Life Coordinator
Marybeth Spinuzzi
“Working at High Point Village is a daily adventure. You never know what the day holds but I know that there will always be some humor, joy, and fun in it.”
Courtney Gordon
Reach High Coordinator
Courtney Gordon
Before coming to High Point Village, Courtney taught at a private school here in Lubbock where she had the privilege of working with elementary students who had learning disabilities. She has always loved the reward of teaching and building relationships with her students. Courtney also recently started her own online boutique called woven worthy.
“Let all that you do be done through love” 1 Corinthians 16:14
Josiah Knowles
Fitness & Enrichment Coordinator
Josiah Knowles
Upcoming Events
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Our mission is to create a village where individuals with intellectual disabilities can live, learn, work, worship, and achieve their full potential.
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