Professionals Who Care
At Safe Harbor Counseling Center our Christian staff personally understands the Christ-centered, biblical values that Christians are living by. However our therapists work with clients from ANY faith or background and would never attempt to impose Christian beliefs on anyone. Safe Harbor Counseling Center is a safe destination for ALL. Our therapists are not only caring but are dedicated to providing you with quality service.
Elaine M. romero, LMFT
owner & clinical DIRECTOR
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #LMFT38237
951.252.8411 #3001
elaine.romero@shcounseling.org
Elaine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Owner/ Clinical Director of Safe Harbor Counseling Center. Elaine has worked as a clinical psychotherapist and professional speaker for over 30+ years. Elaine feels blessed to receive referrals and endorsements from pastors, pediatricians, and school administrators all throughout the Inland Valley Empire. She is humbled that Rancho Community Church recognizes her practice Safe Harbor Counseling Center, as a partner ministry. However, Elaine receives referrals and works with clients from many other professionals, schools, doctors and churches in the Inland Valley as well. As a clinical supervisor, Elaine enjoys guiding associates who are striving to become licensed psychotherapists.
Elaine completed her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Family Studies, from the University of Arizona in 1993. She achieved her Masters of Arts degree from the accredited Marriage, and Family Therapy program at the University of San Diego in 1996. She acquired her PPS school counseling credential in 1998. In 1997, Elaine was the founding president of the San Diego chapter of the California Association for Play Therapy. She has been a member of CAMFT, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists for 30+ years. Elaine is a graduate of She Speaks training through Proverbs 31 Ministries followed by individual coaching as a speaker with Next Step Speakers Services. Over the years Elaine has trained in a variety of modalities such as but not limited to: Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy(EFT couple therapy & EFIT individual therapy), Complex Trauma Treatment and more.
Elaine enjoys working with all types of clients. She works with individuals, couples, adolescents and children. Elaine’s style is both caring and compassionate. As a believer, Elaine understands the Christ- like model and morals Christians are trying to live by. If requested, she integrates God’s truths and promises with leading research on healthy functioning in marriage, parenting and family relationships. However, Elaine is experienced and willing to work with clients from any faith and background. She would never attempt to impose Christian beliefs onto those who were not open to it. Elaine’s office is equipped with a wide range of toys, books, sand tray materials, and numerous art supplies. Children love Elaine’s office! In fact, two little mice figurines happen to live in her office and children love to hunt for these little guys as they move to new hiding spots each week.
As a professional speaker, Elaine has delivered the keynote seminar in a variety of settings such as marriage retreats, women’s Christmas Teas, MOPS groups, webinars and school functions. On occasion, Elaine has had the honor to deliver a Sunday message at Rancho Community Church as one of their teaching pastors. Elaine is the co-host along with her husband, Abe Romero, of two marriage podcasts, Love is In the Air ( supporting commuter marriages and long distance relationships) and Marriage is a Joke: The FUN Marriage Podcast!
Her speaking and teaching style is energetic and funny, but it also displays her professional expertise in marriage, parenting, and family relationships. Please ask Elaine for a list of her current seminar titles or check out her podcasts on most major podcast platforms. Overall, Elaine feels blessed to help all types of families in our community. She believes it is truly an honor and her calling to equip families to build healthy homes and leave lasting legacies.
Elaine and her husband Abe have four adult children together. Elaine has two children and Abe has twins. Their blended family life is hectic at times but also full of crazy game nights and laughter!
PAOLA CORTES, LMFT & LPCC
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST #LMFT125692 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR #LPCC8978
ONLINE ONLY AT THIS TIME
PROVIDES THERAPY IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH
951.252.8411 #3002
paola.cortes@shcounseling.org
Maria Paola Cortes Elser was born in Colombia, but has been living in USA for several decades. When she immigrated here she was confronted with different situations that helped her to grow personally and spiritually. These challenges allowed her understand how special it is to be from another country and also become part of this great nation. She understands the mental, cultural and spiritual challenges that come from this type of transition. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Santo Tomas De Aquino University in Bogota Colombia, and a master’s degree in Professional clinical counseling from Grand Canyon University in the USA. She has experience with DV, PTSD, Sexual and Physical abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and Personality Disorders, as well as with Substance abuse. She speaks English and Spanish, and can provide psychotherapy in either language. Her motivation is to help and support individuals and families who struggle with relationships, and mental health challenges.
Jennifer Neri, APCC
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #12091
Under Supervision of Elaine M. Romero, LMFT #38237
951.252.8411
jennifer.neri@shcounseling.org
Taking Clients Starting in May 2025
Jennifer Neri is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with an undergraduate degree from University of California, San Diego and an M.S. in Counseling and Guidance from California State University, San Bernardino. She believes healing begins by understanding how our formative experiences shape present-day challenges. Jennifer’s warm, caring, and non-judgmental style creates a supportive space where clients feel heard, seen, supported, and more confident in their ability to make meaningful change. She draws from Narrative Therapy, a collaborative, strengths-based approach that helps clients reshape their stories by separating themselves from their problems and emphasizing their values and strengths, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work with women, adolescents, and adults. Her areas of focus include anxiety, ADHD, depression, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, parenting, cultural and intergenerational dynamics, and self-esteem. Outside of therapy, Jennifer is a self-proclaimed foodie, lifelong learner, animal lover, and national park enthusiast who enjoys spending time with her two kids.
Bryce Denham, AMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT#142441 Under supervision of Elaine M. Romero, LMFT#38237
951.252.8411 #3003
Bryce Denham is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with an M.A in Marriage and Family Therapy from Hope International University. Bryce hopes to work with people of all backgrounds and is especially excited to work with people of color and athletes. Bryce has experience using attachment theory, and cognitive behavioral therapy while working with teens, children of all ages, college students, couples, and young adults. Areas of special interest include working with and in the Black community, working with clients suffering from performance related anxiety, and clients experiencing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and attachment issues. Bryce is a basketball player at heart and played throughout college. He is also an avid listener of Rap and R&B music, enjoys being outside, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.