Pay attention when you chaperone your child’s next field trip—it could lead to your future career.
When Kristin DeMarco visited Historic London Town and Gardens with her daughter Anna’s fourth grade class, she fell head-over-heels in love with the scenery. The venue is what drew her back just a couple of years later to where she has now worked for three years as director of private events.
DeMarco and her husband, Joseph, live in Annapolis with their three children, Anna (now 14), Julia (17) and Xander (21).
What do you love about Annapolis?
I didn’t grow up in Annapolis or being on the water, so I just am so appreciative of what a quaint little town we live in. Just being out on the water is so peaceful and relaxing, and I just never take it for granted.
What’s something you love about your job?
Oh, the venue! I look right out the window and I see the South River. It’s such a beautiful property. I love meeting people and hearing their love stories—it’s just so much fun when giving tours to hear a little bit about why they chose to preview the venue, and then to hear about how they got together. It’s just special to me.
What do you love about being a parent?
Almost everything. I always dreamt of being a mom, so I just feel so blessed that I was able to have three kids. I love experiencing life through them and seeing, just enjoying different things that they like to do. My middle daughter is a ballerina, and I had never gone to the ballet in my life, and now in every city we go to I’m like, ‘Ooh, do they have a ballet company?’ and ‘We could go visit the ballet!’
Seeing life through their eyes is just such a special gift.
How do you balance work time and family time?
I don’t know that I ever do. Sometimes, work needs me more and sometimes family needs me more. I guess I just go where I’m needed most. I just do the best I can, and that’s all I can do every day. I love my family with my whole heart and soul, and I love my job, so I just try to give it my all and do the best I can.
What’s something you wish you had known as a new parent?
That every stage changes, so don’t get hung up on where you are right now. Just be in the moment because every single stage changes so fast.
The first thing that came to my mind when you said that was about napping schedules and eating schedules, and I would just get myself so hung up on, ‘Oh, the baby needs a nap’ or ‘Oh, it’s time to eat’ and getting stuck on routines instead of enjoying the moment. So, if I could look back, I would just have been a little bit more relaxed.
Family Favorites
Meal: Breakfast for dinner on Sundays
Dessert: Anything chocolate
Activity: Paddle boarding
Vacation Spot: Rehoboth Beach
Local Spot: Rise Up Coffee
*Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.
