Our Team
George Haraksin
Scholar Community Director and Staff ScholarGeorge Haraksin holds a BA in comparative religions from California State University at Fullerton and an MA in philosophy and ethics from Talbot School of Theology, Biola University and a second MA degree in philosophy from Claremont Graduate University. George currently serves at Reasons to Believe as the Scholar Community Director and is a senior adjunct professor in philosophy and ethics at Azusa Pacific University. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Tozer Seminary, Simpson University. His areas of interest include metaethics, normative and applied ethics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, and theories of epistemic justification. For over 20-years George served as a lead and associate pastor of NewSong Church in southern California, where he supervised and served on the church’s teaching team, elder board, and worship teams, as well as gave leadership to church staff. George resides in southern California with his wife and two boys and at times you can find him in local music venues playing drums with his band.
Tracy Weldon
Scholar Community Associate DirectorTracy Weldon currently serves as the Scholar Community Associate Director at Reasons to Believe. She completed her undergraduate degree in Christian Ministries from Biola University alongside two minors in Business Administration and Biblical Studies. While there, Tracy enjoyed serving in a number of roles such as Resident Advisor, conference coordinator for a Bible conference with 3,000 attendees, and chapel coordinator in the spiritual development office. Her areas of interest include psychology-based learning and faith development, organizational health and communication, and the study of human bonding. Tracy and her husband often spend their free time critiquing films (particularly what they say about humanity) and reflecting upon the intricacies of God’s creation and character.
Joey Versace
Scholar Community Recruiting ManagerJoey Versace is the Scholar Community Recruiting Manager at Reasons to Believe (RTB). With a passion for helping people overcome doubts and embrace a relationship with Jesus, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from LIFE Pacific University. He holds a degree in biblical studies and has been admitted into the National Honors Scholar Society. During his nearly 20 years of pastoral ministry experience, he specialized in evangelism, apologetics, and leadership development. Joey's connection with RTB began in 2001 when their resources challenged his worldview and led him to accept Jesus. Since then, Joey has utilized RTB's tools to equip teams and help seekers find answers and overcome doubts. As a member of the Scholar Community Team, Joey believes in the power of science to reveal God and open hearts to the Gospel. He is committed to contributing his experience, with passion and gratitude, towards fulfilling RTB’s mission for Christ.
Jacob Rodriguez
Scholar Community Program CoordinatorJacob Rodriguez serves as the Scholar Community Program Coordinator at Reasons to Believe. He graduated with honors from the University of La Verne with a BA in Political Science. He is currently pursuing an MA in philosophy from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, with the hope of continuing on to doctoral study in political philosophy. Jacob enjoys reading and writing in his free time.
Kim Ortega
Reasons Institute CoordinatorKimberly Ortega serves as the Reasons Institute Coordinator at Reasons to Believe. She graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a BA in Psychology. Kimberly serves as the Children’s Director and Administrative Assistant for Pulse Church in Southern California. Her area of interest includes psychology, faith, leadership, and fashion. When she isn’t busy working or serving at church you can find Kimberly hanging out with her children, watching football, or trying a new restaurant. Kimberly enjoys traveling with her husband.