Kate’s journey at Mychal’s has spanned nearly half her life.
A lifelong South Bay resident, Kate first joined Mychal’s as a young participant in our After School Program. From there, she moved into our Path to Independence program and began building the skills that would eventually lead to employment. Today, at 34 years old, Kate is one of the familiar faces behind the counter at Mychal’s Café and a shining example of what can happen when opportunities, training, and determination come together.
Kate’s employment journey has evolved right alongside Mychal’s Café itself. She first trained at Mychal’s Bakery before joining the earliest version of the café, a coffee pop-up called Howl at the Moon. From there, she worked at the Torrance Memorial location and later became part of the flagship crew that opened our current café. Along the way, she tackled challenges that once felt intimidating. Learning to count money and make change was one of the hardest skills for her to master. Today, she’s a confident employee who helps keep the café running smoothly and takes pride in serving customers every day. Kate works both front of house and back of house, making her one of the most versatile members of the café team. Whether she’s taking orders, making coffee, preparing food, or helping behind the scenes, she’s always ready to jump in where she’s needed.
Her favorite task? Making coffee.
“I like that I can make someone coffee when they really need it,” Kate says with a laugh. “And some people really need it!”
Kate also set her sights on mastering another café staple: the perfect omelet. When renowned local chef David LeFevre visited Mychal’s Café, he taught her the techniques she needed to achieve that goal. These days, ask around the café and you’ll hear the same thing from staff and customers alike: Kate makes one of the best omelets in the building.
Kate’s growth over the years has been remarkable to watch, both for the Mychal’s team and for her family. As her parents, Barbara and John, shared, “Our family is deeply appreciative of the support and many opportunities Mychal’s has provided her over the sixteen years, including various programs and activities.” Today, those opportunities have come full circle. As they proudly put it, “Now, Kate is a Mychal’s employee!”
When she’s not working, Kate stays busy with her many interests and activities. She competes in Special Olympics track and field events including the 800-meter, 1500-meter, relay, and shot put. At home, she’s often accompanied by her service dog, Finn, who is always by her side. She also has a deep love of theater and has performed in numerous Mychal’s productions, including The Wiz, Beauty and the Beast, Annie, The Lion King, Grease, The Little Mermaid, and Snow White. Her biggest dream is to perform on Broadway someday. “I just love the theater because whenever I go to rehearsals I am transported,” she says. “Acting totally helps me forget everything else.”
Kate is also a passionate advocate for individuals with autism and epilepsy. She speaks openly about her experiences and believes awareness leads to understanding. “I feel like people with autism and epilepsy aren’t seen or heard, so I like to be an advocate for them. Without a voice, how can they be heard?” she says. Her message to families is equally powerful: “If they have a son or daughter with autism, they’re not alone. I have autism! If they have a son or daughter with epilepsy, they’re not alone. I have epilepsy! And look at what an independent woman I really am!”
That confidence shines through in everything Kate does. Whether she’s crocheting at home, writing stories about the Titanic and Revolutionary War, singing for thousands at Santa Stroll, or serving coffee to a customer who needs a little extra boost, she approaches life with passion and purpose. Her coworkers are some of her closest friends, her family remains deeply involved in the Mychal’s community, and every December you’ll spot “Kate’s Crew” marching proudly through Santa Stroll. Bold, capable, dynamic, and unapologetically herself, Kate continues to inspire everyone around her, and we’re lucky to have watched her journey unfold.
