The moment the lunch bell rings, high school students rush to Common Address for a midday pick-me-up. Whether ordering an iced latte or a hot chocolate, one aspect is consistent: their favorite employee. 

Tatiana Stephen, a 24-year-old barista, is a household name at Heschel. Best known for her signature touches of drawing hearts and writing names on her favorite Heschel customers’ cups, Stephen has transformed grabbing a coffee into a warm, personal experience, making her an integral part of our school community. 

“You guys are really funny!” Stephen said, recalling her encounters with Heschel students. “We look forward to it. We know who’s coming, when you’re coming, who you’re gonna come with…” 

Stephen noted that her favorite drinks to make are iced matcha and chai lattes. While she does make a delicious vanilla latte, it’s not the drinks that attract Heschel students to Common Address; it’s Stephen’s cheerful and friendly spirit. 

Senior Bee Levy said, “Sometimes, even if I don’t want a coffee, I still go in to say hi.”

“Everytime I would go to Common Address with someone, Tatiana wanted to know their name, so she got to know all our names,” senior Parker Slarskey recalled. 

“She draws hearts on my coffee cup, which makes me feel really appreciated and welcomed,” said senior Aerin Levine. 

“Tatiana knows my mom and gives me cookies to give to her!” senior Anabelle Gononsky said.