Meet Our Staff
The Rev. Corey J. Sanderson, S.T.M.
Corey has served churches in the United Church of Christ for the last twenty-five years. He is passionate about adult faith formation, interfaith partnerships, Gen-X spirituality, and being a resource to the larger community.
Corey has also taught college courses in Philosophy, Ethics, and Religious Studies and has worked in Medical Ethics. Most recently, Corey taught a course on Progressive Protestant Christianity at Emmanuel College in Boston.​
Globally, Corey is involved in United Religions Initiative in India and is a member of the Interfaith Peacemaker Teams in Sri Lanka. He travels to both countries once a year to meet with a wide range of religious leaders, to learn about the social issues in both countries and to find ways to be in solidarity with the people.
When not at work, Corey is usually reading non-fiction books, doing something involving music (listening, playing, learning, reading, collecting, etc.), or restoring pre-WWII banjos. All things considered most people find him to be a pretty affable guy. ​
EMail: csanderson@2ndchurch.org
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Sarah Tocco, DMA - Director of Music​
Since her successful debut at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall in New York as an accompanist, Dr. Sarah Tocco has maintained an active concert career both as a soloist and an ensemble pianist. She has performed with California State University Symphony in Los Angeles and Moor Park College Symphony in California and collaborated with numerous chamber ensembles and vocal ensembles throughout New England area as well as in New York, California and around the world.
​Dr. Sarah Tocco holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from Boston University and both Master’s and bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Manhattan School of Music in New York. She currently is a faculty member at Brooks Prep School, Groton Hill Music Center, and Winchester School of Music.
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EMail: stocco@2ndchurch.org
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Susan Benes - Director, Second Church Nursery School
As a dedicated early childhood professional, Susan believes children learn best through play and socializing with their peers. “Play” is essential and helps facilitate the development of a child’s cognitive, emotional, social and physical abilities. Susan also believes placing an emphasis on kindness within our nursery school family is essential and is convinced that if children learn the importance of being thoughtful at a young age it will stay with them into adulthood, resulting in a kinder world.
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EMail: secondchurchnurseryschool@comcast.net
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Denise Davila, M.Ed. - Operations Manager
Denise Davila, M.Ed. joined Second Church in November 2022 as our Operations Manager. She brings to this role diverse professional experiences. Denise was a dedicated educator for deaf and hard of hearing programs for many years. Throughout her life it has been her passion to be involved with non-profit organizations that serve the community in both management positions and as an active volunteer.
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EMail: ddavila@2ndchurch.org
Frank Neal, RPA - Building Manager
Frank was a professional commercial (office/industrial) property manager with nearly 40 years of experience in the real estate field. He worked for some big national firms including Trammel Crow, Grubb & Ellis, and C.B. Richard Ellis, among others, before retiring. The largest building he managed was the 1.4 million sq. ft., 42-storey tower at 100 Federal Street in town for Bank of America.
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EMail: frankgneal@comcast.net
Melissa Brown - Bookkeeper​
Melissa joined the Second Church in February 2023 as our part-time bookkeeper. She brings with her 25+ years of bookkeeping experience in an array of industries such as construction, property management, prison systems, and education. Melissa is a fourth generation Cambridge native, where she currently resides with her daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys playing golf and traveling with friends.
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EMail: mbrown@2ndchurch.org
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Peter Mooradian - Assistant Building Manager
Peter Mooradian is a professional property manager specializing in maintaining and preserving historic buildings. He currently volunteers serves as vice president of the Newton Masonic Associates for the Newtonville Masonic Building. He has over thirty years of experience in Newton and the surrounding communities managing and maintaining properties. Peter also served on the Newtonville Historic Commission for one term, and the Parish Council at Our Lady's Help of Christians for two terms. Peter's passion is the preservation of the rich history of Newton and the story each building tells about those that have come before us. In ensuring these brick and mortar treasurers are preserved and maintained Newton's history and legacy endures.
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EMail: pmooradian@2ndchurch.org
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