Barrington native Chrissie Demke Walker is full steam ahead. Walker started as an intensive care nurse after college, transitioning to being a healthcare consultant after earning her MBA. After her first child, she decided to stop accruing so many airline miles and turn her full attention to home and the community. She has enjoyed many volunteer activities—including WINGS and the Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board, having co-chaired the latter’s annual fall luncheon the last two years. And while no one could have planned for everything 2020 has brought, Walker sees the silver lining in pausing and resetting.

Mantra? You can have it all but not at the same time so remember yesterday, enjoy today, and plan for tomorrow. Always keep growing Best grooming tip? Daily SPF all year around! Guilty pleasure? Sweets! Favorite foods? Chocolate chip cookies Music you love? When not listening to my kids’ favorites, I listen to pretty much anything Best advice ever given to you? Stay in your own lane. I met a woman while getting my hair done years ago—I don’t know her name and probably wouldn’t recognize her if I saw her again. She had two boys, just like me, but hers were 10 years older than mine. She said when she was at my place in life another mom told her the best advice she had ever received—stay in your own lane. Best advice! Best advice you’ve given? As I tell my kiddos, ALWAYS try to be positive, nice, and grateful Earliest memory? Playing in the sand at Biltmore’s beach When you wake up, you? Exercise. If I don’t do it first thing it doesn’t get done Before bed, you? Decompress and plan for tomorrow What’s on your bookshelf? Something from Reese Witherspoon’s book club You can’t live without? Green tea in the morning Love to escape to? Getting lost in a TV show Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t take yourself too seriously and remember that everyone is doing their best

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Laid back and comfortable Can’t leave the house without? iPhone and lip gloss Transportation? Sporty black SUV Driving music? I really love 70s music Place to eat? A childhood favorite … Chessie’s Shop? Woodfield Mall will forever be my favorite mall Best thing about the country? The land, I love all the land and the woods Worst thing about the country? The other side of the same coin, it can be a lot of driving The perfect day is? Being able to take the time to enjoy how beautiful Barrington is

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? Either fun and dressed up, or Lululemon depending on the day Can’t leave the house without? A small purse and lip stick Transportation? Walking, love to get my steps in Driving music? Anything and everything from Paul Simon to musicals to something on the radio Place to eat? Love all outdoor dining in the city Shop? The Bloomingdales area Best thing about town? The energy Worst thing about town? Traffic The perfect day is? Shopping and lunch with the girls or an adventure with my boys like the zoo, a museum, or carriage ride. Unfortunately, since COVID-19 there has been a pause from most of our usual activities in the city. I hope sooner than later we can all return to the safe and amazing city that we love