Noe Rivera, M.S., LMFT

Noe Rivera, M.S., LMFT, serves as the Director of RelateStrong at the Boone Center for the Family at Pepperdine University. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Noe is passionate about equipping individuals, couples, ministry leaders, and churches with practical tools that foster healthy relationships, emotional maturity, and lasting transformation rooted in both sound theology and psychological science.

Before becoming Director of RelateStrong, Noe worked closely with Dee Dee Mayer, co-leading Ministers Marriage Enrichment retreats, RelateStrong | Workshops and Trainings, and RelateStrong | Leadership Series presentations onsite at churches across the country. His longstanding involvement with the Boone Center's mission has provided him with a deep understanding of its vision to strengthen relationships and equip the Church to cultivate healing and flourishing communities.

Noe earned his master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and received intensive live training in Restoration Therapy under Dr. Terry Hargrave, founder of the model. He is a certified Level II Restoration Therapy Provider and has dedicated much of his clinical work to serving Christian individuals, couples, pastors, ministry leaders, missionaries, and their families. His approach integrates attachment science, emotional regulation, and biblical principles to help people experience healthier relationships with God and others.

In addition to his work with RelateStrong, Noe is the co-founder and Chief Counseling Officer of Ministry Transitions, where he helps pastors, churches, and ministry organizations navigate leadership transitions, succession planning, and the relational challenges that often accompany seasons of change. He also founded Missionary Mental Health International, an initiative focused on increasing access to counseling and emotional care for missionaries serving around the world.

Earlier in his career, Noe served in international missions leadership, helping develop ministry initiatives, disciple leaders, and support church planting efforts in Guatemala and throughout multiple countries. Those experiences continue to shape his passion for strengthening Christian leaders and expanding access to relationship resources across cultures. He also enjoys serving both English- and Spanish-speaking communities and is committed to helping RelateStrong continue expanding its reach among diverse churches and ministry leaders.

Outside of his professional roles, Noe serves as an elder at his local church and is actively involved on the worship team, serving in both small groups and children's ministry. He and his wife, Juana, who is also a licensed therapist, live in Arcadia, California. Together they share a passion for helping people experience healing, restoration, and deeper connection in their relationships. In his free time, Noe enjoys spending time with his family and friends, at the beach, being outdoors in nature, and quiet moments with God.

Contact Noe Rivera at noe.rivera@pepperdine.edu or 310.506.8553