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  • About HCS
    • Welcome to Hillcrest
    • Why Hillcrest?
    • Our Values + History
    • What We Believe
    • Board of Directors
    • Leadership and Administrative Team
    • Career Opportunities
  • Admissions
    • Admissions Home
    • Application Process
    • Tour Hillcrest
    • Affording Hillcrest
    • Admission Events
    • Request Information
    • International Students
  • Early Education
    • Early Education Academics
  • Elementary
    • Elementary Academics
    • Elementary Athletics
    • Elementary Spiritual Life
    • Elementary Extended Care
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    • MS Athletics
    • MS Spiritual Life
    • MS Events
  • High School
    • HS Academics
    • HS Athletics
    • HS Spiritual Life
    • HS Campus Life
    • HS Events
    • Online Academy
  • Support HCS
    • Make A Donation/Gym
    • Planned Giving
    • Parent Involvement
    • Gala and Auction
    • HCS EPIC Fundraiser

Hillcrest Christian News

Danielle Kunkel – Kitchen Assistant

9/4/2025

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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.”

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!
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Patty Medrano – Kitchen Manager

9/4/2025

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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.

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!
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Malia Metcalfe: Barista

9/4/2025

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Malia Metcalf
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!

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!
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Faculty Highlight: Leilani Smith – Science Teacher

9/4/2025

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Leilani Smith - Science Teacher
My Why
I love Christian education because I can teach science with a Biblical worldview. Science is merely the vehicle I use to get to these young folks' hearts. God started calling me into science when I was in the second grade, and He gave me a lifetime career in science education.


Why Hillcrest?
Even though I retired from education twice, I knew several co-workers who began to work at Hillcrest and only had great things to say about this school. A couple of years later, I applied to be a cafe worker, and Joni approached me about the possibility of teaching science here. 
The interview committee was impressive, and I was excited to see that our visions aligned not only in teaching, but also in growing in faith and sharing my passion for the Lord with my co-workers and students.

I thank God continually for bringing me to this special school. I feel lifted up by the staff, administration, faculty, parents, and board. I cherish my students and pray for opportunities to minister to them. My husband frequently comments on how happy I am at Hillcrest Christian School. The truth is this: Hillcrest Christian School is the best school in which I have ever taught. May He continue to bless and grow this school!

A Little More About Me

Education: B.S. Science Education Awarded: Teacher of the Year and John Hopkins Sarah D. Barder Fellow

Years of Teaching: Since 1986, for a total of 35 years (minus the Covid years)
Schools Taught At: 2 public schools and 5 Christian schools during different moves
Favorite Memory at Hillcrest: Lunch dates with students. I want them to know I am here to listen, to minister as needed, and to have the heart to heart talks that point them to Jesus.
Favorite Science Unit to Teach: Biological sciences, although I have taught every subject from 7th grade on up
Fun Fact: I love to cook Asian foods. This started in college when a professor asked me to teach his wife English as she was about to begin her Master’s degree in Library Science. In return, she taught me authentic Chinese cooking. That opened the door to learning Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine. Vietnamese is my favorite!
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449 E Wilbur Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805-497-7501

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