Gatesworth Stories —
Spotlight: Q&A with Dining Server Kajsa Holton
Meet Kajsa, a dedicated dining server at The Gatesworth who has been a cherished team member for an incredible 20 years. Known for her warm smile, exceptional service and deep connections with residents, Kajsa brings both heart and professionalism to her role. Her passion for making a difference in the lives of others shines through in every interaction, whether serving a delicious meal or simply sharing a kind word. Outside of work, Kajsa’s vibrant background and fascinating life experiences, from her modeling days to her love for skiing and classic rock, make her a truly inspiring individual. Get to know more about Kajsa and her journey in this spotlight Q&A!
How long have you been with The Gatesworth?
I’ve been with The Gatesworth for 20 wonderful years. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in an environment that feels more like a family than just a workplace. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with countless experiences and relationships that have enriched my life.
What are the responsibilities of your position and what does a typical day look like?
In my role, I am committed to providing five-star service to our amazing residents. A typical day involves ensuring that each meal served is not only delicious but also delivered with warmth and a genuine smile. From breakfast to dinner, I focus on creating a dining experience that makes residents feel cared for and special. It’s about much more than just serving food—it’s about building connections, maintaining a positive atmosphere, and ensuring every detail is taken care of to make our residents’ days brighter.
What do you enjoy most about working at The Gatesworth?
What I enjoy most about working here is, without a doubt, the incredible residents. Every day, I get to interact with people who have fascinating stories, wisdom and perspectives to share. Knowing that I play a part in bringing a bit of joy to their lives and contributing to their well-being is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to build relationships with them and make even a small difference in their daily lives.
What is your background?
I was born and raised in Olivette and graduated from Ladue High School. I’ve lived in University City for the past 30 years, which is incredibly convenient since it’s just two minutes away from work! Before joining The Gatesworth, I spent 15 years working in retail, which taught me about customer service and communication. I’ve also been a vegetarian for many years, something I’m proud of as it aligns with my values and lifestyle.
What drew you to work at The Gatesworth?
When I was 29, I decided to go back to school and needed a job that was close to home and wouldn’t be too stressful. A friend who worked as a server at The Gatesworth told me how much she enjoyed it and thought it would be a perfect fit for me. She was right! Twenty years later, I’m still here and couldn’t be happier. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What are you grateful for at The Gatesworth?
I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships I’ve built here over the years. From coworkers to residents, I’ve been surrounded by a community that feels like family. The love and support I’ve received from everyone is something I’ll always treasure. It’s amazing to work in a place where relationships and connections are at the heart of everything we do.
What’s one interesting fact about you that not many people know?
Not many people know that I used to be a model! From a very young age until I was about 21, I was involved in photography, runway and tearoom modeling across Saint Louis. It was an exciting chapter of my life, filled with unique experiences and opportunities to learn about the world of fashion and creativity.
What’s a memorable experience you’ve had at work?
I’ve had so many memorable experiences at The Gatesworth that it’s hard to pick just one! Every day brings something special, whether it’s a heartfelt conversation with a resident, a celebration of a milestone, or simply seeing the joy on someone’s face after a great meal. These moments add up to a rich collection of memories that I’ll cherish forever.
Hometown: Olivette
Education: I graduated from Ladue High School and earned a college degree in science.
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy snow skiing, jeep riding, watching football and listening to classic rock from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Family: I’m the oldest of three children. My sister and brother both live in Portland, Oregon. My mom was born in Norway and grew up in Sweden, while my father was raised in a large family in Ladue.
Favorite Food: Pizza! It’s always been my go-to comfort food.
Favorite Movie: Full Metal Jacket—a classic that I can watch over and over.
Favorite TV show: NCIS—I love the mix of drama, mystery and teamwork.
Favorite band: Led Zeppelin—I can’t get enough of their timeless music.
