Rev. Dr. Sandy Seaton-Todd
Lead Pastor
Rev. Dr. Sandy Seaton-Todd came to the Church of the Western Reserve in 2013 with an eclectic background that includes marriage, motherhood, the practice of law and then being called by God to serve as a minister.
She is a lifelong learner having achieved numerous degrees across a variety of disciplines:
-
Undergraduate degree in Psychology from Stanford University
-
Masters degree in Philosophy from Duke University
-
Juris Doctorate from the Duke University School of Law
-
Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary
-
Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary
-
Spiritual Director Certification, John Carroll University
She has experienced the painful loss of her husband and father of her five children at an early age. Her resilience in the face of personal tragedy is an example for others and has enabled her to lead her children into productive lives as young adults. Yes, she has a long and deep academic pedigree, but she has lived a real life touched by the ups and downs others face, too. She is an example for her church family of God’s power to heal and renew.
Rev. Sandy embodies all of the characteristics of her congregation. She never stops expanding her own ministry. She is relentless in supporting the ministries of her members.
Alexandre Marr
Director of Music
Alexandre Marr enjoys a dynamic and multifaceted career as a solo pianist, music director, collaborator, artistic leader, and educator. Based in Northeast Ohio, he currently serves as Music Director for Congregation Mishkan Or and Church of the Western Reserve, Executive Artistic Director for both Music from The Western Reserve and the CWR Concert Series, Assistant Director of the Akron Symphony Chorus, and Owner/Founder of the Akron Music Institute, downtown Akron’s premier school of music. In 2024, Alexandre was appointed Music Director and Pianist for four-time EMMY® and GRAMMY®-nominated musical satirist Randy Rainbow, leading both the 2024 and 2025 national tours.
Alexandre’s love for the piano began at age 10 under the mentorship of soprano and pianist Victoria Auth, later continuing with Gerardo Teissonnière of the Cleveland Institute of Music and Steinway Artist Donna Lee. He holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Kent State University and has since distinguished himself in performance, education, and arts leadership across the region.
A past winner of both the Case Western Reserve and Kent State concerto competitions, Alexandre performed Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Kent State Symphony Orchestra in 2012. He has participated in masterclasses with celebrated artists, including Michelle Cann, and is a frequent performer throughout Northeast Ohio, appearing at Kent State University, The Cleveland Institute of Music, M.U.S.i.C. Stars in the Classics, and Tuesday Musical.
His recent performance highlights include the world premiere and recording of The Abacus and the Rose by composer Rick Dailey with soprano Merissa Coleman, a featured music video of Fauré’s Élégie with Colombian cellist Alexander Numpaque for Steinway & Sons, and a 1st Prize win in the 2021 Gloria Artis International Music Competition with duo partner Greta Pasztor. In 2023, he was honored to premiere composer Joel Thompson’s Dark Matters alongside Capital University’s Chapel Choir under Dr. Lynda Hasseler with whom he maintains an active performing relationship. Previous collaborative appointments include Singers Companye under Dr. Samuel Gordon and the Cleveland Chamber Choir with Dr. Scott McPherson.
Alexandre maintains active private teaching studios in Akron and Cleveland, instructing over 50 students weekly. In 2024, he received the prestigious Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award.
A passionate advocate for musical theatre, Alexandre has served as Music Director for productions at Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall (Songs for a New World) and Porthouse Theatre (Godspell, The Prom, Annie). Since 2019, he has also collaborated as Music Director with acclaimed vocalist and internet sensation Natalie Weiss, most recently performing together at Chicago’s Den Theatre in 2023.
An inspiring and in-demand artist, Alexandre Marr continues to shape the musical landscape of Northeast Ohio and beyond, with performances, programs, and projects that reflect a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and artistic collaboration.
Rev. Matthew Peterson
Parish Associate
Rev. Matthew has followed a fascinating journey of discovery prior to arriving at Church of the Western Reserve in Fall 2018. A lifelong Presbyterian, he has previously served on the staffs of Forest Hill Church and Fairmount Presbyterian Church.
From there, he was called to lead the youth program at Bryn Mawr (Pennsylvania) Presbyterian Church where he and his staff served more than 500 teens between grades 6-12. He has led multiple trips abroad for students to see how life and faith abound for people rich in the Spirit and poor in material possessions.
His experience includes fellowship and Bible study, work in the inner city, and wilderness, mission and study trips including Christian youth conferences.
His experience includes fellowship and Bible study, work in the inner city, and wilderness, mission and study trips including Christian youth conferences.