Meet the Staff
Kelly Haer
Executive Director, Boone Center for the Family
Kelly Maxwell Haer, Ph.D., LMFT, is the Executive Director of the Boone Center for the Family and oversees the Relationship IQ program. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. In addition, Haer has a Ph.D. in family therapy from Saint Louis University, a master's degree in counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a bachelor's degree from Furman University. She has a wealth of experience working with young adults in a variety of contexts including counseling sessions, undergraduate and graduate classrooms, and the church community.
Sharon Hargrave
RelateStrong Founder
sharon.hargrave@pepperdine.edu
Sharon Hargrave is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and Texas. She is most known as the founder of RelateStrong (formerly MarriageStrong), a multifaceted program for individual and married leaders. An affiliate faculty member in the Marriage and Family Therapy department at Fuller Theological Seminary, Hargrave was in private practice for over 18 years and specializes in working with couples and intergenerational issues.
Dee Dee Mayer
Senior Director of RelateStrong
Dee Dee Mayer, DMin, LCSW, is the Senior Director of RelateStrong at the Boone Center for the Family. She is a licensed clinical social worker in California. In addition, Mayer has a Doctor in Ministry from Azusa Pacific University. She has over 20 years of experience providing organizational leadership and program management in academic and community health environments. Dee Dee formerly served as a co-host for Movieguide TV. She is passionate about Jesus and His church to support leaders and congregations in developing strong and healthy relationships. She is a published author, regular guest on national radio programs, and a sought after public speaker.
Mauricio Zena
Office Manager
Mauricio Zena is the Office Manager of the Boone Center for the Family. He graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, emphasis: Real Estate. He has extensive customer service experience and is passionate about building rapport and helping others in the best way he can. He takes pride in his work, and is consistently striving to discover new opportunities that will fortify the value and course of his work. Mauricio is a firm believer of Jesus Christ and His teachings, and proudly embodies His desire to be kind, patient, and loving with others. Mauricio’s passions include home remodeling/DIY projects, architecture, business, food, traveling, language and culture, and fashion.
Dori Lansbach
Assistant Director of Relationship IQ
Dori Lansbach, Ph.D., is the Assistant Director of Relationship IQ at the Boone Center for the Family and an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on relationships, development, and psychology, and plays a key role in student athlete ministry. Dr. Lansbach earned her Ph.D. in Psychology and a Master’s in Documentary Film Directing from the University of Edinburgh, and holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts for Education from Pepperdine. Her research centers on psychological abuse in romantic relationships, and she has presented at major international conferences. A former collegiate and professional basketball player, she is passionate about faith, family, and equipping young adults to build healthy relationships.
Helena Graf
RelateStrong Assistant
Helena Graf serves as the RelateStrong Program Assistant at the Boone Center for the Family. She holds a double major in Music and Worship and Honors Humanities from Azusa Pacific University where she graduated magna cum laude. She is a published writer who is passionate about exploring what is true and beautiful and good. Helena also spent time teaching high school English which included both AP Language and AP Literature. When she is not at the office, you can find her exploring a new but most likely short-lived hobby, camping in a national forest, or writing a new song.