REV. DR. SANDY SEATON-TODD

Lead Pastor

revsandy@churchofwesternreserve.com

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:

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• 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

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.

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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.

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ALEXANDRE MARR

Director of Music

contact@alexandremarr.com

Alexandre Marr began his studies in piano from age 10, focusing on classical and contemporary piano under soprano and pianist, Victoria Auth. Following several debut concerts in the Northeast Ohio area, he attended Case Western Reserve University, The Cleveland Institute of Music, and Kent State University under the mentorship of Steinway Artists Gerardo Teissonnière and Dr. Donna Lee. Alexandre won both the 2010 Case Western Reserve University and 2011 Kent State University Concerto Competitions, performing Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor with the Kent State Symphony Orchestra in 2012. He was honored to have performed at the 2014 "Rach Fest" held at New York City's Steinway Hall, as well as Steinway-sponsored masterclasses in the Cleveland area. Recently, he recorded and gave the 2019 world premiere performance of composer Rick Dailey's The Abacus and the Rose, a song cycle for voice and piano, alongside soprano Merissa Coleman. 

Alexandre is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Piano Performance at Kent State University with an expected 2021 graduation. At Kent, he is a graduate assistant for the piano division teaching group piano classes, private lessons, and accompanying choirs, voice studios, and instrumentalists. He is an active concert pianist in Northeast Ohio and also maintains a private studios in both Akron and Cleveland taking students on a limited basis.

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Aside from performing classical music, Alexandre holds a passion for leadership, serving as Music Director for Temple Israel in Canton and Church of the Western Reserve in Cleveland where he is also Artistic Director for the CWR Concert Series. Throughout his career he has musically directed several theatrical productions including Songs for a New World performed at EJ Thomas Hall in 2017. That same year, he launched The Cabaret Project in partnership with Akron's BLU Jazz +, one of the nation's top jazz venues.

Alexandre is committed to making CWR a premier destination for music in the Northeast Ohio region. Since his installment as Music Director in 2018, he has grown the CWR Choral program, forming a Chamber and Youth Choir featured regularly in Sunday services. He has also reinvigorated the CWR Concert Series, programming monthly concerts featuring world-class soloists and ensembles. Learn more about the current concert season HERE.

REV. MATTHEW PETERSON

Parish Associate

revmatthew@churchofwesternreserve.com

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.

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His experience includes fellowship and Bible study, work in the inner city, and wilderness, mission and study trips including Christian youth conferences.

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His experience includes fellowship and Bible study, work in the inner city, and wilderness, mission and study trips including Christian youth conferences.

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MICHAEL TOTH

Custodial Services

Michael Toth retired from the U.S. Post Office after 36 years of service. Michael has also worked for the Richmond Hts. Police Dept.

He is an active volunteer and brings that same sense of commitment to CWR. A native Clevelander, he has a daughter and two grandchildren.

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CAMERON DURHAM

Custodial Services

Cameron Durham keeps CWR looking its best. Cameron attends church at SPAN Ministry where he is head of the men’s division.

He is married to Jakecia, and they have two daughters – Zoie, 11, and Zianne, 9 – plus their son Zavier, 7. Also a professional caterer, Cameron’s favorite hobby is cooking.

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