Let me introduce myself.  I am Victoria Paton, the Senior Community Counselor for MDP – the Potomac Shoreline Cluster of Au Pair in America. I have been a Community Counselor since 2000, and enjoy helping Au Pairs and Host Families during their year(s) together. Being a counselor is my full-time job.

I, myself, was an exchange student at an age similar to that of my Au Pairs: When I was 16, I won a competition to study in Arcachon, France and lived with a host family (so I know about homesickness). When I was 20, I spent a summer in Oxford, England studying Philosophy and living with a super host family (with whom I am still great friends and the Godmother of one of their children) and in 1981, at 21, I studied for a year at the London School of Economics where I lived in a hostel for “Commonwealth Friendship”. From 1982-84 I was the first exchange student  sent by the University of Connecticut to study Chinese/teach English at Beijing Normal University (so I know about culture shock). During that time and for an extra year, I stayed in Beijing to open the Representative Office of Cummins Diesel Engines while working each week as ground staff for the one British Airways flight to Beijing at that time, and occasionally on-assignment for CBS News (including President Reagan’s visit to China in 1984). In 1985, I opened the Beijing Office of China Travel Management, China’s first independent travel company…arranging tours for expat families and Embassy staff looking to explore the country: Shopping in Shanghai, Ice Sculptures in Harbin, Exploring the Hanging Caves of Da Tong etc. After China, I spent an extended period of time in India where I founded a non-profit educational organization for children in Chenai.

After completing my MBA in International Marketing at Indiana University, I was tapped to be Sargent Shriver’s Personal Assistant then Chairman of Special Olympics International.  I supported Mr. Shriver with special events and communicating with the celebrities and dignitaries who were involved in that great cause.  In 1980, I was sent on assignment to Glasgow to represent Mr. Shriver regarding certain aspects of the 1990 European Special Olympics Games Opening Ceremonies, clinics by and appearances of Gold Medalists and celebrities etc., and coordinated with the UK Special Branch on involvement of the Royal Family at that event.  The International Special Olympics Games in 1991 brought fantastic challenges and I worked closely with Mr. Shriver to: arrange details of many high profile guests, celebrities and dignitaries from around the world; support sponsorship events; finalize transportation of athletes from less well-off countries to  Minneapolis/St. Paul etc. I remain connected with Kennedy Family projects after being tapped by Eunice Kennedy Shriver for the committee of the Best Buddies Ball which was held in Potomac for many years.

I was very fortunate to stay home with my sons for eight years with live-in childcare from India. So I can empathize the Host Family role and understand what it is like to welcome a young person into your home who is not familiar to the culture or language.

Despite being a stay-at-home mom, I was always busy with their school, volunteering and running events. So when the Au Pair position became available I was delighted to be chosen as  the Community  Counselor for Potomac and then Bethesda, Cabin John and Glen Echo by Au Pair in America. Being a CC combines my experiences living with a host family, hosting childcare from abroad, being a mother, running a business and organizing events.

As Community Counselor, I have traveled to Canada, China, South Africa, Germany, England, Italy, Panama, France, and Mexico learning about the countries many of our Au Pairs call home, and teaching our counterparts in those countries about the job of a Community Counselor and how we assist both Au Pairs and Host Families throughout the match..

It has been the best of all worlds!