Faculty & Staff

Apostle Dr. Yolie Massenburg, D.D., DRE, M.Div., MS.Ed, BA,
President, Dean, Advisor & Faculty Discipline: Divinity & Ministry; Senior Pastor of SMI Life Center, Hopewell, VA
Yolie Massenburg, born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Currently she resides in Virginia with her husband Clarence. She has one daughter, Jolissia; two stepdaughters, Hollie and Blonnie; one son-in-law, Adrian and two granddaughters, Jayla and Kyra. A prophet from birth, Dr. Yolie received salvation at the age of 16 and answered the call to preach the gospel as an evangelist nearly 20 years later. She was ordained as a pastor in 2006 and consecrated as an apostle in 2013. Before Dr. Yolie was called into ministry, she had a career in broadcasting, from be a reporter to becoming a general manager. Dr. Yolie is the Apostle/Senior Pastor of Seraphim Ministries International (SMI) LIFE Worship Center in Hopewell, Virginia, USA. She is Founder and President of SMI Bible College (a degree offering institute) where she is also an instructor. She is called to lead and teach leaders; and to counsel pastors.

Recently, Dr. Yolie developed a grant receiving program titled Restorative Community Care, a program designed to offer supportive care counseling to the community at no charge as a way of removing barriers from their successes. In 2011, Dr. Yolie ventured into Christian Life Coaching and through Living Life Ministries she is a Motivational Speaker and Life Coach to ministers. Dr. Yolie is a lover of academics, she holds several degrees: a BA in Communications, a Master in Education, and a Doctorate in Religious Education in Theology. She also holds a Master in Divinity and Doctor of Divinity conferred by SMI Bible College. She is a certified instructor of the Evangelical Training Association, faculty member as Media Analysis at Trinity Graduate School of Apologetics and Theology, and Qualified Evangelism Explosion Trainer. In addition, she is an author and publisher of several publications including a textbook used by students in over 130 countries. She is also a member of various associations, fellowships and organizations. As a volunteer Chaplain at two hospitals and visiting pastor at two senior assistant living facilities, Dr. Yolie developed a greater compassion for the sick and elderly.

Above all and the greatest of all, she is a Born-again Believer of Jesus Christ who loves God and filled with His Holy Spirit. Dr. Yolie believes… that God has placed everything you need on the inside of you to succeed. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Dr. Kenneth Samuel, ThD., M.Ed, VP, Dean of Theology Dept., Faculty, BOD

Business Owner, Clayros Growth Financial | Vice President, Seraphim
Ministries International Bible College

Dr. Kenneth D. Samuel is a distinguished theologian, educator, and entrepreneur whose multifaceted career encompasses ministry, education, and business  leadership. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in The Bronx, Dr. Samuel graduated from Christopher Columbus High School before embarking on several years with an evangelistic ministry. During this period, he refined his skills in teaching and preaching, proclaiming the gospel across New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Dr. Samuel’s academic achievements underscore his dedication to theological scholarship and educational excellence. He earned an Associate’s degree in Biblical Studies, a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate in Theology (Th.D.). His professional journey began as a journeyman electrician, where he was a committed member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), but his passion for teaching and training soon defined his life’s calling.

For his work in Christian leadership development, Dr. Samuel served as a teaching associate with Leadership Training International, a ministry devoted to equipping leaders in the developing world to advance the Great Commission. His international efforts have spanned the U.S. East Coast, Europe, and several African nations. Domestically, he has made significant contributions as a special education teacher, supporting students with severe, profound, and hidden disabilities, and was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve on the State Board for Career and Vocational Education. He also held the role of regional trainer for the Institute in Basic Life Principles; a global Christian ministry focused on applying biblical principles for personal and spiritual success.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, Dr. Samuel has excelled in real estate and mortgage sales and currently owns Clayros Growth Financial, an insurance firm specializing in life, retirement, and health insurance. Previously, he served as Education Manager for the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Central Virginia, where he directed programs to empower youth. He now holds the position of Vice President at Seraphim Ministries International Bible College in Hopewell, Virginia, where he helps shape the next generation of ministry leaders.

Dr. Samuel resides in Central Virginia with his wife, Dorothy Jones Samuel, his partner in life and ministry. Together, they are the proud parents of six grown sons and grandparents to eight grandchildren. Dr. Samuel continues to leverage his expertise in theology, education, and leadership to enrich his community and further the Kingdom of God.

Dr. Myria Thompson, Th.D., Ed.S., M.Ed, BS, | Dean of Christian Education & Leadership Ministry, Faculty

Dr. Myria has taught in the public school system for the last nineteen years working with youth with special needs. Dr. Myria was ordained under the late Pastor Joseph P. Green and served in various roles until 2022. Passionate about the healing power of God, she received training for equipping at Life Center Ministries in Atlanta GA in their School of Miracles and completed courses in Christian Healing (Inner, Physical, and Deliverance) from Global Awakening Ministries in Mechanicsville PA. In November 2019, she traveled to Spokane Washington to receive training from the International Association of Healing Rooms to launch and open the Healing Rooms of Petersburg where she is the Co-Director alongside her husband. Dr. Myria’s desire is to see people healed, set free, and launched into their destiny by demonstrating the Kingdom of God. Dr. Myria received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, Masters of Education in Special Education from Virginia State University, and an Educational Specialist Degree from Liberty University. She is a certified Christian Life Purpose Coach, author, and entrepreneur.

Pastor Darrell Hughes was born in Toledo, Ohio, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior as a young man. He served as a Junior Deacon at Zion Church of God in Christ for four years under Pastor Elder T.T. Thomas, Senior Pastor. He served as a Deacon until he received the call to the ministry, where he underwent ministry training under Bishop Joshua Quarles. He received his minister’s license after several years as a Bible School teacher. He was sent to serve in a Leadership role over a small Life group, where He was ordained as an Elder. After receiving Ordination, He was sent to Korea while serving in the army, where he served under Bishop Johnson as assistant Chaplain, teaching Bible Study, and leading Sunday Morning worship service. After returning to Virginia, he served as an Elder / Assistant Pastor at Community Church of God in Christ. After a few years of service at the community church, I was appointed Senior Pastor of Mount Christian Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C., founded in Richmond, Virginia. After His time as senior pastor he eventually moved to Petersburg where he served as Instructor/ Manager of Petersburg Public School’s Youth Enterprise Shop where he became acquainted with Seraphim Ministries International, Dr. Yolie the Senior Pastor where he presently serves Assistant Pastor, Chairman of the Elder’s Board, new members class he models the standards of a leader including personal and professional integrity. Duties include taking on essential responsibilities within the church, such as overseeing key leaders and leading a ministry. He serves with his wife of twenty-Four years Elder Jackqueline A. Hughes.

Apostle Blackwell is a member of the Board of Directors and Dean of Spiritual Growth at the Zion Hill (West Hopewell) Campus with Seraphim Ministries International Bible College.

He attended J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College, Virginia Union University School of Theology via the Evans Smith Institute, Seraphim Ministries International Bible College where he holds a Bachelor of Ministry Degree and a Master of Divinity Degree from Seraphim Ministries International Bible College.

Apostle Blackwell is the senior pastor of Zion Hill Temple of Prayer Church and the presiding prelate for Strait Gate Outreach Ministries. He is also the Chaplain and Reentry Program Grant coordinator at the Riverside Regional Jail in Prince George, Virginia.

Pastor Laura Amison is a native of Petersburg, Virginia. She is the wife to Joseph Amison and mother of one son, Moses. She heard the voice of God speak two simple words “Go Minister!” She diligently thereafter has pursued her calling. In May of 2007, Pastor Laura received her License to Preach the Gospel from Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia. In 2009, Pastor Laura was ordained under a pastoral call from Seraphim Ministries International, where she is a member and serves. In between that time, she has earned a Bachelor in Business Administration and since then her Master in Divinity and soon to obtain her Doctorate in Divinity upon completion of her Dissertation. She serves as an Associate Pastor, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Praise Team Leader and on the Board of Elders at SMI Life Center. She also serves as an Instructor and Administrator for SMI Bible College. But above all of this, she says: “I’m not what I should be, but I’m not what I used to be; I’m not perfect but forgiven and I strive to make my today more pleasing to God than my yesterdays, because I love the LORD.”

Dr. Maxine Collins is devoted to seeing the lives of those around her transformed by renewing their minds in accordance with the word of God. She is a minister, bible teacher, as well as a biblical counselor and coach. Dr. Maxine has a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Monroe (ULM), a bachelor’s in biblical education from Emmanuel Worship Center Bible Institute, a Master’s in Human Services/Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University and a ThD in Theology from Seraphim
Ministries International Bible College, where she serves as board member and instructor. Dr. Maxine has her foundation in the Hebrew roots of her faith which she has reaped from her studies at Emmanuel Worship Center under the leadership of the late Joseph P. Green.

She is a lifelong student and has done individual studies for over 10 years on the science of the mind and how this science aligns with scripture. With this knowledge Dr. Maxine adapted a program, called the 63-Day Mind Challenge Program in response to the studies she has completed and is currently using the program at the corporate level at her place of employment where she serves as a member of the Corporate Wellness Team.

Dr. Maxine is director of a non-profit organization, Advocate Enterprises, which provides scholarship funding and other programs for the underserved youth in her community. She is also author of Torah Foundations 101, a textbook used in Seraphim Ministries International Bible College, that teaches the principles of the older testament.

Stephon V. Ross, Sr. was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA. where he met and married his childhood sweetheart Lori, together they have two children. He attended Eastern University and obtained a BA in Organizational Leadership. In 1985 he accepted the call to the ministry. In 2011, Stephon was ordained and served as the Assistant Pastor of Miracle Life Church where he shared in preaching and teaching the Word.

Besides being a speaker and bible teacher, Pastor Stephon is a gifted artist and graphic designer. Since 1999, he has operated Ross Communications LLC, which is an independent design studio that offers graphic design, web design/development and marketing services to faith-based and non-profit organizations. In 2014 he and his wife Lori, relocated to the Richmond, VA area. In 2017, they launched Aspire Community Church, a vibrant, growing, multi-cultural church located in Chester, VA. They are charged to reach those who are far from God through demonstrating the Great Commandment principle called Love.

Currently, Pastor Stephon works as an Academic Advisor at Northern Virginia Community College, and is the owner/operator of Cre8Cafe, Paint Parties and More. In addition, Pastor Stephon serves on the board of Seraphim Ministries International Bible College, while also serving as a campus Dean, faculty, and Webmaster. In 2020, he obtained a Masters of Divinity degree from SMI Bible College, in Hopewell, VA and is currently working on a second masters from Palmer Theological Seminary, in Philadelphia, PA.