Resilience Anchored in Community: A Night of Hope at Porterville College
Wednesday evening, the PC Theater was transformed into a space of vulnerability, strength, and connection as Porterville College hosted "The Hope Talks". The event, held on March 18, 2026, proved to be a landmark success in the ongoing mission to champion Mental Health Awareness within the Kern Community College District.
The evening kicked off with a vibrant Vendor Expo at 5:30 PM, where local organizations shared vital resources and support systems with students, staff, and neighbors.
Following a warm welcome from Master of Ceremonies Matthew Maddex and opening remarks by Kern Community College District Chancellor Dr. Steven Bloomberg and Porterville College Interim Vice President of Student Services Erin Wingfield, the stage was set for a powerful dialogue on the reality of mental health challenges.
Lived Experience Meets Professional Expertise
The heart of the program featured two distinguished Central Valley leaders who bridged the gap between clinical knowledge and personal struggle:
- Dr. Jonathan Schultz, Ed.D.: A professor and counselor at Bakersfield College, Dr. Schultz spoke candidly about his journey navigating diagnoses of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and OCD. His story of shifting his life's focus toward mental health advocacy following his own leave from work in 2020 resonated deeply with the audience.
- Dr. Matthew Tatum, PsyD: As the CEO of Sierra Meadows Behavioral Health and a 6-time IRONMAN qualifier, Dr. Tatum offered a unique perspective on balancing high-level achievement with his personal battle with depression.
Moving Forward Together
The success of "The Hope Talks" serves as a reminder that no one has to navigate their mental health journey alone. By bringing these "vital conversations" into the light, Porterville College continues to take significant steps toward a more supportive, stigma-free campus.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to the vendors who volunteered their time to make this evening possible.
