Pastor Dion Smotherman, ATR, LMFT, DBC, came to Port City Church after 15 years at FaithWorks Church, where she co-
pastored with her late husband. Her life's work is helping people realize their best possible selves through personal
spiritual growth, mental health, and relationship satisfaction. She considers every day an invitation to serve God.

 

Pastor Dion is an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God, a registered art therapist, a licensed marriage and Family
Therapist, and holds a doctorate in Biblical counseling.  She also serves on the leadership team for the Black Fellowship
of the Southern California Assemblies of God. You might observe that Pastor Dion’s preaching style illuminates psychological theories through Biblical principles, which she has called & quote; "The Therapeutic Gospel." Her life is also full as a mother of two and a grandmother of seven.

Angelica Hernandez is a Pastoral Counselor at Breath of Life Foundation and is passionate about seeing people shift
their mentality from surviving to thriving in their emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. She is adamant about
providing a safe place where people feel heard and valued. With empathy, wisdom, and an utter dependence on the
Holy Spirit, Angelica walks alongside people who are hurting and guides them to a place of hope. Angelica's experiences
and education have equipped her to connect with people from all walks of life. She focuses on spiritual health, relationships, life transitions, and grief. She has extensive experience working with families and student issues, ranging from middle school to college.

 

Angelica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law & Society and Spanish from the University of California, Santa Barbara, her
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University, and her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Counseling and
Community Care: Traumatology, also at Liberty University. Angelica is proud to be an ordained minister with the
Assemblies of God and serves as an Executive Pastor of Neighborhood Church in San Bernardino, California.

Peter Agnew, MA, is the Executive Director of Restored Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Long
Beach, California. He holds a master’s degree in Ministry and Leadership with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and
Counseling from Talbot Seminary. Peter is a Licensed Pastor through the Los Altos Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach
and has been in private practice since 2012.

 

He is the author of The Essential Pre-Marriage Toolbox (2020), a pre-marriage workbook, and Heart to Heart: Tools to Talk, Listen, and Truly Connect (2026). For over 25 years, Peter has focused on helping couples prepare for marriage, strengthen their marriages, and navigate remarriage. He works with both faith-based and non-faith-based couples, equipping them with practical tools to build deeper connection and healthier communication.

 

Peter is newly remarried to his wife, Nancy. He has two adult children who are walking with the Lord and working in the
medical field.