Our Students & Your Generosity Create a Better Community

OUR AMAZING FACULTY

Yoshiko Matsushita-Arao in her element

It was in 1997 that Dr. Yoshiko Matsushita-Arao was hired as a psychology professor at Hartnell College. She was not sure if this was a good idea because she did not have any experience in her field. But one year after teaching, she knew for sure. (pictured with NBA Hall of Famer, Kareem Abdul Jabbar)

“I just knew this was my dream job, this is what I am meant to do,” she said. “I am so grateful they took a chance on me – I really love what I do.”

That love for teaching is apparent. Dr. Matsushita-Arao takes pride in the high-level quality education she provides her students each semester. She shows it in the curriculum she selects, guest speakers she brings, and in being an advisor for the Psychology Club on campus.

For many years, Yoshiko welcomed Al and Jane Nakatani from Hawaii as guest speakers on children, loss, and living life to the fullest. They based their talks on the book Honor Thy Children, which is based on their life and was well suited for the students of psychology and offered widely to the campus community. These talks showed all how a couple who lost three sons within eight years can be hopeful and resilient.

Besides being a great faculty and resource to her students, Yoshiko is a valued donor for the Hartnell College Foundation and has been a President’s Circle member for over a decade.

“I have the greatest respect and admiration for the Foundation,” she said. “They are so connected to the community, and it shows with the overwhelming support they receive toward student success.”

Dr. Matsushita-Arao was born and raised in Seaside and attended Monterey Peninsula College, transferred to Fresno State University for her bachelor’s, followed by UC Santa Barbara for her master’s and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology.

“I had great experience with amazing professors at MPC and I told myself that is the level I want to teach in the future,” she said.

She comes from a Japanese family with an older brother, Ted, and older sister Yuri. The entire family attended MPC and her siblings continued to the university. But she is the only one who pursued graduate degrees.

During her time at MPC, she was in the Women’s Volleyball team and won the Division II State Championship both years. It was a record for the college. In 2016, she was inducted into the MPC Lobo Hall of Fame for her athletic and educational achievements.

She met her husband James in Junior High. They dated in high school and got married soon after. They have been married for 33 years. They have one son, Bruce, who is currently at Berkeley pursuing two master’s degrees in public policy and public health.

She is proud of her son and hopes that he finds the same passion in his profession as she did in teaching.

“I love what I do,” she said. “At the end of each year, the graduations are one of my favorite things to share with my students because I am celebrating their successes and that is important to me.”

Bright Futures Recognized

CalKIDS

In early April, Bright Futures for Monterey County had the honor of participating in the California Early Wealth Education System (CEWAS) Summit hosted by the State Treasurer’s Office and CalKIDS in Sacramento. 

“We are proud to be recognized with the Visionary Educator Award for the progress Monterey County has made in claiming CalKIDS accounts,” said Director of Bright Futures, Tony Amezcua.

In just 11 months, local CalKids moved from 7 percent to 19.8 percent of eligible accounts claimed, securing over $6.8 million in free college savings for local children. Earlier this year, Bright Futures was identified as one of three hotspot communities in the state, along with Riverside and Fresno, for leading efforts to increase CalKIDS participation. 

Attending the CEWAS Summit was an incredible opportunity to meet others across California working to build early wealth and educational opportunities for families. While this achievement is to be celebrated, over $29 million is available for Monterey County families yet to be claimed. Bright Futures remains committed to reaching every eligible child and making sure these important resources stay in our community.

Our very best,