Rev. Amanda Meisenheimer

Rev. Amanda Meisenheimer serves as the seventh pastor of Church on the Hill, installed in November of 2024. She is a devoted and dynamic minister who previously served at the historic Riverside Church for nine years. Her journey in ministry is marked by a passion for justice, inclusion, and the liberating message of Jesus.

Amanda's academic path began with a B.A. in Spanish and Secondary Education from Wheaton College. She continued her theological education at Western Theological Seminary before transferring and graduating with a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary.

In addition to her ministerial duties, Amanda is a contracted writer for various esteemed publishers, including Illustrated Ministry, United Methodist Women, and Augsburg Fortress. Her writings reflect her unique perspective and deep commitment to intergenerational ministry.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Amanda has a love for the arts. She enjoys songwriting and playing the ukulele and guitar. Watercolor painting and writing are among her creative outlets. Amanda is also an avid Star Trek fan, a lover of animals, and an enthusiastic traveler.

Originally from Texas, Amanda now calls New York City home, where she has raised her two teenagers. She often jokes about the cultural shift from the wide-open spaces of Texas to the bustling streets of NYC, marveling at how her kids have become true New Yorkers.

Sean Cotty

As a pianist and organist, Sean Cotty has performed across the United States and Europe. Specializing in the virtuosic music of the great Romantic composers, he is noted for his energetic and commanding recital and chamber music performances.

Currently, Sean is the Music Director at both Church on the Hill in Flushing, New York, and Temple B'nai Torah in Wantagh, New York. He also serves as the Assistant Organist at St. Catherine of Sienna R.C. Church in Franklin Square, New York.

Sean earned a graduate degree in piano performance from C.U.N.Y. Queens College and an undergraduate degree in music education and piano performance from Ithaca College. He has taken private lessons with organist Frank Crosio for nine years. Recently, he studied with organist Paul Jacobs at the Oregon Bach Festival's Organ Institute, and with Nathan Laube and Olivier Latry at the International Organ Festival in Haarlem, Netherlands.

Contact Mr. Cotty