Spotlight: Q&A with Administrative Receptionist
Alex Waters

Meet Alex Waters, an enthusiastic and dedicated administrative receptionist at The Gatesworth. With a warm smile and a keen attention to detail, Alex makes certain that residents and visitors feel welcome and well-attended from the moment they step through the door. Her commitment to exceptional service contributes significantly to the supportive and friendly atmosphere that The Gatesworth is renowned for.

What are the responsibilities of your position?

Ultimately, I ensure the residents' day-to-day needs are handled. I am the full-time receptionist during the daytime. My job is to answer the phone and greet residents and their families upon arrival.

What’s a typical day like for you at work?

What I like most about my job is that no two days are the same. Throughout the day, I handle various tasks such as scheduling transportation, signing residents up for events, creating the drivers' schedule and booking guestrooms. You might also find me at the Spa, Gift Shop or helping walk your dog in concierge service. I am always moving around the building beyond my usual duties at the reception desk.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

The residents here are like my family away from home. I enjoy hearing stories about their children and grandkids and the lives they led before coming to The Gatesworth. I love learning from them and hearing about their experiences, wisdom and good judgment. I also appreciate that the residents take an interest in my family and want to stay updated on my life.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is multitasking while trying to provide quality service to the residents and their families.

What is your background?

I graduated from Parkway North High School and studied Journalism at Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). I joined The Gatesworth in 2011, starting as a hostess and server in the dining room. In 2018, I became the front desk receptionist at The Gatesworth. I also work part-time as a freelance hairstylist and am a "dance mom" to my daughter, Laila.

What drew you to work at The Gatesworth?

I liked the idea of working in a community where I see the same people every day. It felt more rewarding than working with the general public. What drew me in was hearing about all the employees who had been here for over 10 years during my interview. Now, I am one of those employees!

What are you grateful for at The Gatesworth?

I have so much to be grateful for at The Gatesworth that I could write a book about it! Most importantly, I am grateful for the residents I’ve met over the past 13 years. My relationships with them are dear to my heart, and they are a big part of my happiness here. I am also grateful for the lifelong friendships I have made with many employees. Most of my wedding party is made up of friends I have made here over the years. Finally, the owners, our Executive Director Carrie and my direct supervisor, Nick, have made my job very rewarding every day I come to work.

What’s one interesting fact about you that not many people know?

I was born the day before The Gatesworth opened in 1988.

What’s a memorable experience you’ve had at work?

I have a resident who has been requesting me to do her hair since I received my license. She is my #1 cheerleader. Instead of me doing her hair as her stylist, we have an agreement that she can stop by my desk anytime, and I will comb her hair for her. It brings me joy to know she can count on me.

Lightning Round:

Hometown: From Overland Park, Kansas to Boca Raton, Florida, we landed in St. Louis!

Education: Graduated from Parkway North High School. Studied Journalism at Missouri State University and University of Missouri-St. Louis and attended Grabber School of Hair Design for cosmetology

Hobbies/Interests: Attending my daughter’s dance competitions, attending concerts, family and traveling

Family: In October 2023, on my birthday, my fiancé, Damien, asked me to marry him. We plan to get married in April 2025 on Navarre Beach in Florida. I have one daughter, Laila, and two bonus children, Damien Jr. and Amira.

Favorite Food: Kobe Steakhouse (Japanese Food)

Favorite Book, Movie, or TV Show: I love watching “Dance Moms” with my daughter