Our Dedicated Staff

Martha Kessel
Executive Director

The walls of Martha Kessel's office are lined with colorful artwork created by Residents, and given as gifts to a woman who brought more than excellent management skills to The Gatesworth over 20 years ago. Martha has a knack for connecting with people, and since The Gatesworth opened in 1988, she has not only built many close relationships with Residents, she has fostered an atmosphere among her 230+ employees in which Resident's needs always come first. Before coming to The Gatesworth, Martha served as Director of Parish Cultivation for St. John's United Methodist in the Central West End and Webster Hills United Methodist Church, and as a high school teacher in her home state of Kentucky. Martha received a Women of Worth Award from the Older Women's League in 2004.

Carrie Montrey
Assistant Executive Director

Carrie Montrey began her career with The Gatesworth in 2002 and is committed to providing exceptional service to each Resident, every day. She began as Assistant Resident Services Director and since then has tended to Residents' personal needs by directing the daily operations of Security, Facilities, Concierge Services, Spa׀One and the Fitness Center. She ensures Residents' day-to-day needs are met with utmost care and efficiency. Carrie graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies from Westminster College in Fulton, MO.

Christie Wolff
Assistant Executive Director

Christie Wolff ( LNHA) brings more than 18 years of experience in the healthcare field to her position as Assistant Executive Director. She joined The Gatesworth Community in 1994, bringing her commitment to exceptional service to the Residents at McKnightPlace Extended Care. In addition to her education in Speech Pathology at SIUE, she brings a wealth of experience from her years as an Activity Director, Office Manager, Physician's Assistant, and Owner of Acclaim Medical Billing Company. She has most recently served as the Administrator for McKnight Place Assisted Living for the past 7 years. Christie's focus is on promoting each Resident's well-being and independence, while providing a much-needed sense of security.

Kathy Davis
Resident Services Director

Kathy joined The Gatesworth staff in 2001. A native St. Louisan, Kathy puts her enthusiasm for the city's abundant cultural riches to good use, designing events and programs that offer a rich mix of possibilities for Gatesworth Residents. She earned a B.S. degree in Journalism & Mass Communications from Kent State University in Ohio, and worked as a feature writer and editor for St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles magazine. She is a contributing editor to St. Louis Magazine's stl@home. Kathy lives in Kirkwood with her twins, Megan and Peter Davis. Her favorite spare-time pursuits: trying new restaurants, catching up on current cinema, and relaxing with a great book or magazine in hand.