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:
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Undergraduate degree in Psychology from Stanford University
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Masters degree in Philosophy from Duke University
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Juris Doctorate from the Duke University School of Law
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Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary
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Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary
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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
American pianist Alexandre Marr enjoys an active and diversified career as a soloist, music director, collaborator, and educator.
Alexandre’s passion for the piano began at age 10 under acclaimed soprano and pianist, Victoria Auth. Following several Ohio solo debut recitals, he continued his studies with Gerardo Teissonnière of the Cleveland Institute of Music and Steinway Artist Donna Lee. While in pursuit of his degree, he performed in masterclasses under Fei Fei Li and the renowned Michelle Cann. Alexandre holds a Master of Music (M.M.) in Piano Performance from Kent State University and now holds a position on the piano faculty at his alma mater's Hugh A. Glauser School of Music.
In 2010, Alexandre won both the Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University concerto competitions, performing Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor with the Kent State Symphony Orchestra in 2012. In 2019, he recorded and gave the world premiere of composer Rick Dailey's The Abacus and the Rose, a song cycle for voice and piano, alongside soprano Merissa Coleman. Alexandre's latest music video of Fauré's Élégie, Op. 24 with Colombian cellist Alexander Numpaque was featured by Steinway & Sons as part of their 2020 marketing campaign. Alexandre recently took 1st Prize alongside duo partner Greta Pasztor in the 2021 Gloria Artis International Music Competition for a 2 piano recital program featuring the music of Bach, Brahms, Bolcom, and Liszt.
In addition to an active performance schedule, Alexandre maintains thriving private studios in both Akron and Cleveland teaching in-person and remote lessons to over 30 weekly students of all ages and skill levels.
Currently, Alexandre serves as Director of Music both at Church of the Western Reserve in Cleveland and at Temple Israel of Canton. In 2020 he took on the role of Artistic Director for the CWR Concert Series, a monthly concert series in Cleveland at Church of the Western Reserve. He holds the position of collaborative pianist for the Akron Symphony Chorus and for Temple Israel of Akron. Previous collaborative appointments have included Akron-based Singers Companye under Samuel Gordon and the Cleveland Chamber Choir under Scott McPherson.
Aside from classical music, Alexandre holds a passion for musical theatre. He has musically directed several professional theatrical productions including Songs for a New World performed at EJ Thomas Hall in 2017 and was appointed Music Director for Porthouse Theatre's upcoming July 2022 production of Godspell. Alongside co-founder Merissa Coleman, Alexandre launched The Cabaret Project in partnership with Akron's BLU Jazz +, one of the nation's top jazz venues. Going on its 4th year, the project has sold out all performances since its inception and is slated to continue its mission of bringing a live cabaret scene to Northeast Ohio. In 2019, Alexandre produced and musically directed Cabaret for a Cure, a cancer benefit concert in collaboration with The Akron Civic Theatre featuring acclaimed vocalist Natalie Weiss.
An inspiring, in-demand artist and leader, Alexandre looks forward to a future filled with music.
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.
Mike Toth
Custodial Services
Michael Toth retired from the U.S. Post Office after 36 years of service. Michael has also worked for the Richmond Heights Police Dept.
He is an active volunteer and brings that same sense of commitment to CWR, maintaining all facilities and assisting at all special events.
A native Clevelander, he has a daughter and two grandchildren.
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.