Boone Center for the Family Welcomes Noe Rivera as Director of RelateStrong Program

The Boone Center for the Family at Pepperdine University is pleased to welcome Noe Rivera as the new director of RelateStrong, effective July 27, 2026. 

Rivera brings a distinct combination of clinical expertise, ministry leadership, and longstanding experience with the Boone Center's relationship education initiatives. Over the past three years, he has served as a congregational care consultant and presenter for the center, working alongside former RelateStrong senior director Dee Dee Mayer to lead Ministers Marriage Enrichment retreats, RelateStrong Workshops and Trainings, and RelateStrong Leadership Series events at churches across the country. His familiarity with the Boone Center's mission, team, and ministry partners provides a strong foundation as Mayer transitions into her new role as Pepperdine University's Chaplain.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role,” says Rivera. “God has been doing great work in many lives through the RelateStrong program by bringing healing, restoration of relationships, and tangible hope. With great joy, I look forward to seeing how God will continue to equip the Pepperdine community and larger Church body across the world with this material.” 

A licensed marriage and family therapist, Rivera earned his master's degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and completed specialized training in restoration therapy under Terry Hargrave, founder of this clinical approach. Rivera is a certified Level II restoration therapy provider and has dedicated much of his clinical practice to serving Christian individuals, couples, pastors, ministry leaders, and their families.

In addition to maintaining a private therapy practice, Rivera serves as cofounder and chief counseling officer of Ministry Transitions, where he supports pastors and churches through leadership transitions and succession planning. He also founded Missionary Mental Health International, a nonprofit focused on expanding counseling resources for missionaries serving around the world. Earlier in his career, Rivera held leadership roles in international missions, helping to develop ministry initiatives and disciple leaders throughout Guatemala and other countries.

With conversational Spanish skills and a heart for multicultural ministry, Rivera will help expand RelateStrong’s reach and impact among churches and leaders across diverse communities. Rivera's commitment to ministry also extends into his local church, where he serves on the elder board and as part of the worship team for small groups and children's services. He and his wife, Juana, who is also a therapist, live in Arcadia, California.

“Throughout the interview process, Noe's exceptional experience really stood out, as did his heart for the Church, his humility, and his genuine passion for helping individuals, couples, families, and ministry leaders experience greater relational health," said Kelly Haer, executive director of the Boone Center for the Family. "His vision aligns beautifully with the Boone Center's mission to strengthen relationships and equip churches to foster healing and flourishing. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

Rivera's appointment marks an exciting next chapter for RelateStrong, which equips pastors, church leaders, and congregations with practical, research-informed, and faith-integrated tools to strengthen relationships and cultivate healthier church communities. Under his leadership, the Boone Center will continue expanding the ministry's workshops, leadership development initiatives, and resources for churches throughout the United States and internationally.

Learn more about the Boone Center for the Family's RelateStrong program.