Did You Know...
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Meet the Heart of the Hillcrest Café
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Patty Medrano – Kitchen Manager
If you’ve ever grabbed a grilled cheese at Hillcrest, you’ve probably tasted Patty’s favorite thing to make—the perfect golden, crunchy sandwich! Patty has been serving students and families at Hillcrest for the past three years, after spending 13 years with the Las Virgenes Unified District.
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What she loves most about her work? Her coworkers. “They are the sweetest, most hardworking best friends. We even hang out outside of school—going on hikes, working out at the gym, or making dinners together.” Patty is also a proud mom of four beautiful daughters—Terri, Mia, Gabriela, and Emma—and a joyful grandma to Haven and Wes. For Patty, the Hillcrest Café isn’t just a kitchen; it’s an extension of home. “You are welcome to hang out here, and we will love on you well. This café is our pride and joy. Just like you have a seat at Jesus’s table, you will always have a seat at ours.” Patty’s Café Favorite: The grilled chicken sandwich—her personal specialty! |
Danielle Kunkel – Kitchen Assistant
For 20 years, Danielle has been serving the Hillcrest community, and for her, it truly feels like family. “The community feel is what I love most. The Holy Spirit is welcome here, and I love that my ministry is to work with kids and families.”
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Danielle’s secret talent in the kitchen? Believe it or not—the french fries. “I’ve perfected the crisp and seasoning,” she says with a smile. Hillcrest runs deep in Danielle’s family story. She and her husband, Mike (class of 1987), are proud alumni, and both of their children, Alec (2013) and Leigha (2017), are Hillcrest graduates too. One of her favorite compliments about the café came from a restaurant distributor who once toured the kitchen and said, “This is the cleanest kitchen I have ever seen.” Danielle’s Café Favorite: French fries—done the perfect way! |
Malia Metcalfe – Barista
If you’ve ever grabbed a matcha from the Hillcrest Café, you can thank Malia for that! She first brought her personal favorite drink to campus just for herself. A few curious high schoolers asked to try it, then our beloved janitor Jesse made it his regular order—and the rest is history. Matcha officially joined the café menu!
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Malia isn’t new to Hillcrest. She attended here from kindergarten through 6th grade and came back in the spring of 2023 to join the café team. What she loves most about working here? “I feel incredibly welcomed and loved here...it’s the people, for me.” Outside of Hillcrest, Malia works as a sports reporter and photographer for LA teams. On weekends and weeknights, you’ll find her on the sidelines with her camera, capturing unforgettable moments. “Photography is my passion. Every photo has a story and I love capturing the story for others to experience.” For families, she has one insider tip: “The Covenantal Coffee is your best source of energy to keep up with all the enthusiasm on campus!” Malia’s Café Favorite: Matcha, which is high school approved, Jesse approved, and now a Hillcrest staple! |
