Δ
When Lee Ann Alejo first walked into Glengowrie Retirement Village in Adelaide 20 years ago, she wasn’t just starting a new job, she was stepping into a calling.
Today, as Village Manager of Glengowrie, Lee Ann leads with a rare blend of empathy, integrity, and purpose that has become the heartbeat of her community.
Resident satisfaction is consistently high under Lee Ann’s leadership as is her Net Promoter Score (likeliness to recommend the village to a friend or family member).
“I trained and worked as a Registered Nurse in the Philippines. It was always my passion to have a personal connection with each patient, and that experience shaped how I lead today — with presence, empathy, and a deep understanding of care.
“When I moved to Australia, I had to start over. I worked in a plastic factory during my days off from Glengowrie Retirement Village, Adelaide, where I began as a Personal Care Attendant. Juggling both roles wasn’t easy, but I’ve always thrived when I’m doing work that matters.”
“For me, it goes back to family. I was raised in the Philippines in a multigenerational household with my great-grandmother, grandmother, and mum — three generations of strong women who lived with grace, compassion, and deep care for others.
“Those early years taught me values like respect, integrity, and humility. My grandmother would say, ‘Start with a humble heart, and you will be exalted.’ I carry that wisdom with me every day.
“When I first walked into Glengowrie 20 years ago, it felt familiar — like home. Being in this field gives me the opportunity to honour those values and advocate for older people the way my family taught me to. This career isn’t just something I do — it’s something I was meant to do.”
“I started at Glengowrie back in 2004 as a Personal Care Attendant. From there, I took on a range of roles – Kitchen Hand, Cook, Cleaner, Food Safety Program Team Leader – and eventually moved into Administration. I also acted as Relief Village Manager when needed, helped with sales enquiries and events, and was part of the Health and Safety Improvement team.
Every role taught me something valuable and helped me understand our residents’ needs from all angles. In 2018, I stepped into the role of Village Manager at Wisteria Grove and Spring Grove, which marked a turning point in my career.”
“I’m currently the Village Manager at Glengowrie Retirement Village. In this role, I oversee all aspects of village life – from day-to-day operations and financial performance to ensuring our residents feel safe, heard, and connected.
“What makes this role special is that I’m not just representing RetireAustralia – I’m also advocating for our residents. Every decision I make needs to reflect both the company’s purpose and the lived experience of those who call our village home.
“This role brings together everything I’ve learned – leadership, compassion, integrity, and strategy – and gives me the chance to shape a community where people truly belong. Coming back to Glengowrie after 20 years is such a full circle moment. It’s where it all began, and it’s where I’ve returned with a deeper sense of purpose.”
“Working in retirement living is a true privilege. You’re not just managing a village – you’re creating a home, building relationships, and becoming part of people’s lives in the most meaningful ways.
“For me, this isn’t just a profession – it’s a calling. Whether it began at the bedside as a nurse or continues now as a Village Manager, the heart of the work is the same: creating connection, honouring humanity, and supporting people with empathy and integrity.
“If you bring your values into the role – your compassion, your culture, your care – it will give back to you in ways you can’t even imagine. It can be complex and demanding, yes, but it’s also one of the most rewarding paths you can take.”
RetireAustralia owns and operates retirement villages in 29 unique urban, seaside, tree-side and regional locations.
