Online education continues to expand across universities, professional programs, and lifelong learning environments. While digital platforms offer flexibility and accessibility, they also introduce a challenge that instructors must intentionally address: presence. In a traditional classroom, instructor presence develops naturally through face-to-face interaction. In an online environment, however, presence must be designed and communicated deliberately.



A strong instructor presence improves student engagement, reduces feelings of isolation, and creates a learning environment where students feel supported throughout the course. Research on effective online instruction consistently emphasizes the importance of clear communication, inclusive design, and meaningful interaction between instructors and students.

<p><strong>Strengthening Online Instructor Presence: Three Practical Strategies for Inclusive Digital Learning</strong></p>

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Explore the Orthodox “Saturday of the Souls” (Psychosabbaton): its meaning, Lenten placement, memorial prayers, koliva, and the Church’s hope in the Resurrection. A pastoral guide to remembrance, mercy, and intercession during Holy Lent.

<p><em style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Orthodox Saturday of the Souls: Commemoration, Hope, and Prayer in Holy Lent</em></p>

 deep Sunday reflection on agape love in the Orthodox tradition—its biblical roots, early Church history, and timeless call to love even our enemies, echoed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Includes Scripture links and authentic iconographic imagery.

<p><strong>🌿&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Sunday Feature: Agape Love in the Orthodox Faith — The Love That Transforms the World</strong></p><p>Title</p>

Extended time on papers and projects (typically not given on an ongoing basis but rather as situations arise — such as for students with acute medical or psychological episodes).”

<h1><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">When “Accessibility” Becomes a Barrier: A Critical Look at Virginia University of Lynchburg’s Disability Services</span></h1><h1><br></h1>

Learn how reasonable accommodations work under the ADA, protect employees with unseen disabilities, and build a truly inclusive, legally compliant workplace.

<h1><strong>Understanding Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace: A Guide to Rights, Responsibilities, and Real Inclusion</strong></h1>

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EF
ERIC FISHON
DHA, MBA, MTS, MDIV, MS, MAOL, MA
631՞979՞7378
ericfishon@gmail.com
https://linkedin.com/in/eric-fishon
Hauppauge
EXPERIENCE
Brand Ambassador
Sophia Learning
01/2022 ՞ Present 
Online
Sophia isn’t just an educational platform or a place to get some college 
credit. It’s what you make it and want it to be. For me, Sophia is my 
partner in strategically achieving the dreams of education I have laid 
out for myself while saving time and money. Isn’t it time you SOPHIA’d 
today? #collegegrad23 #tkstosophia
Create brand impressions and ROI for new learners
Vice President, Suburban NY Marketing
TD
03/2004 ՞ Present 
Long Island, New York
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank
US Field Marketing
AVP Suburban NY Marketing
Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
01/2004 ՞ Present 
null
Company Description
Highlight your accomplishments, using numbers if possible.
Vice President - Suburban NY Marketing
TD Bank Group
01/2004 ՞ Present 
null
Company Description
Highlight your accomplishments, using numbers if possible.
Regional Marketing Manager - NY,MCO
Southwest Airlines
10/2001 ՞ 03/2004 
Orlando, FL
Marketing
Southwest Airlines
01/2001 ՞ 12/2004 
Long Island NY Metro
Community Aąairs Director, Marketing Manager
Cox Radio
01/1995 ՞ 10/2001 
Medford, NY
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business Administration Management, 
General University of Maine at Presque Isle
June 2023
E
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Dr. Eric S. Fishon is an organizational leader, theologian, and disability advocate with a distinctive career that spans corporate leadership, education, broadcasting, and inclusive program design. He is the founder of the Dr. Disruptor Network, a movement focused on disrupting harmful norms, amplifying underrepresented voices, and helping people reclaim their power—especially those navigating life with unseen disabilities. His signature message, “Different is beautiful. Together, we are unstoppable,” runs through his teaching, writing, and speaking.

Eric’s professional journey began in media and corporate leadership. He served as a broadcaster in New York for stations including WBLI, WBAB, and Z100, and later transitioned into executive roles in marketing, foundation work, and community affairs for major organizations such as Southwest Airlines and TD Bank, where he dedicated nearly two decades to building relationships with communities and nonprofit partners.

In parallel, Eric helped lead his family’s fifth-generation company, ABCO Termite & Pest Control, where he works as an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) operator and “Chief XTERMIGATOR.” This role inspired the creation of XTERMIGATOR KIDS, an educational children’s brand that uses stories, characters, and humor to help children understand unseen disabilities such as ADHD, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and autism. Through Friendly Ferns Publishing and XTERMIGATOR KIDS, Eric develops children’s books, inclusive worship resources, activity workbooks, and school-based programs that center empathy and accessibility for all learners.

Academically, Dr. Fishon is deeply committed to lifelong learning. He holds:
	•	Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) – Virginia University of Lynchburg
	•	MBA in Business Administration – Hellenic American University
	•	Master’s in Organizational Leadership – University of Maine at Presque Isle
	•	Master of Divinity (M.Div.) – Nations University
	•	Master’s in Theological Studies (MTS) – Nations University
	•	Bachelor’s in Business Administration – University of Maine
	•	Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts (with a focus in Management) – University of Maine
	•	Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies – Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
	•	Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies – Nations University
	•	Certificate in Urban Pest Management – University of Florida
	•	Certificate in the Psychology of Emotions – eCornell (Cornell University)

He continues to pursue advanced graduate work in business, healthcare, theology, and AI, with current research centered on resilience in youth with unseen disabilities and caregiver stress, as well as how AI can be ethically leveraged to support accessibility and learning.

Living with autoimmune conditions, narcolepsy, and chronic fatigue himself, Eric’s advocacy is not theoretical. His experiences navigating higher education and professional life with non-apparent disabilities inform much of his scholarship and public work. He writes and speaks extensively on topics such as:
	•	Unseen disabilities in education and the workplace
	•	Emotional intelligence and stress regulation in individuals with chronic conditions
	•	Ethical and inclusive use of AI in teaching, writing, and accessibility
	•	Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and equitable event design

These themes are reflected in his forthcoming works, including “An Invisible Disability Isn’t an Inability: Unseen Struggles and Unwavering Determination” and his ongoing thesis and companion manual on youth resilience and caregiver stress.

Beyond his academic and professional roles, Eric is an active speaker, consultant, and content creator. Through his podcast, Plugged Into Your Day: Stories from Dr. Disruptor (available on Spotify), he shares stories of disruption, healing, and empowerment, creating a space for listeners to feel seen and supported. He also engages communities through social media, LinkedIn articles, and blogs focused on disability inclusion, education, and leadership. You can connect with his broader ecosystem via DrDisruptors.com￼ and his social platforms linked there.

⸻

Selected Achievements & Focus Areas
	•	Founder, Dr. Disruptor Network – a platform dedicated to empowerment, advocacy, and inclusive leadership.
	•	Creator, XTERMIGATOR KIDS and Friendly Ferns Publishing – storytelling and publishing platforms centered on children with unseen disabilities.
	•	Host of the podcast Plugged Into Your Day: Stories from Dr. Disruptor (Spotify).
	•	Developer of inclusive church and school resources, including XTERMIGATOR KIDS Hellenic Edition focusing on Greek Orthodox Holy Week and sensory-friendly worship.
	•	Advocate and researcher focusing on:
	•	Resilience in youth with unseen disabilities
	•	Caregiver stress and the “invisible burden” families carry
	•	ADA/504 compliance, equitable access, and policy reform in education
	•	Ethical, accessible applications of AI in writing, learning, and workplace support

Large hero section featuring Dr. Fishon's profile image (https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-prod.butternut.ai/website_images/portfolio/1d1e7f8a-5121-4636-9955-b540799bb5bc.webp) positioned left or center. Main headline: 'Dr. Eric Fishon - Organizational Leader & Disability Advocate'. Signature tagline prominently displayed: 'Different is beautiful. Together, we are unstoppable.' Brief intro: 'Disrupting harmful norms, amplifying underrepresented voices, and empowering those navigating life with unseen disabilities.' Two primary CTAs: 'Download Resume' linking to https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-prod.butternut.ai/website_images/resume-image-upload/1764372920.5193775_EricFishonResume2025.pdf and 'Connect on LinkedIn' linking to https://linkedin.com/in/eric-fishon. Contact info: ericfishon@gmail.com, 631-979-7378, Hauppauge, NY.

Section title: 'Turning Personal Experience Into Purposeful Impact'. Narrative covering: His journey from media/corporate leadership (Southwest Airlines, TD Bank, broadcasting at WBLI, WBAB, Z100) to disability advocacy. Personal experience with autoimmune conditions, narcolepsy, and chronic fatigue informing his work. Creation of Dr. Disruptor Network and XTERMIGATOR KIDS brand. Academic achievements highlighting his multiple degrees (DHA, MBA, MTS, MDIV, MS, MAOL, MA) and ongoing research. Current focus on resilience in youth with unseen disabilities and ethical AI applications. Include statistics/numbers where possible (nearly 2 decades at TD Bank, fifth-generation family business). End with mission statement about inclusive leadership and accessibility.

Section title: 'Areas of Expertise & Services'. Grid layout featuring: 1) Disability Advocacy & Inclusion (ADA/504 compliance, Universal Design for Learning, equitable access policy), 2) Organizational Leadership (healthcare administration, marketing leadership, community affairs), 3) Educational Innovation (inclusive curriculum design, AI ethics in education, children's publishing), 4) Speaking & Consulting (keynote speaking, organizational training, accessibility consulting), 5) Research & Writing (youth resilience research, caregiver stress studies, forthcoming books), 6) Content Creation (podcast host of 'Plugged Into Your Day', social media thought leadership). Each service includes brief description and key outcomes/benefits. CTA: 'Explore Collaboration Opportunities'.

Section title: 'Featured Work & Initiatives'. Three main project showcases: 1) Dr. Disruptor Network - Platform for empowerment and inclusive leadership, description of mission and impact, link to DrDisruptors.com, 2) XTERMIGATOR KIDS & Friendly Ferns Publishing - Educational children's brand for unseen disabilities, mention of Hellenic Edition for Greek Orthodox Holy Week, sensory-friendly worship resources, 3) Research & Speaking - 'Plugged Into Your Day' podcast (available on Spotify), upcoming book 'An Invisible Disability Isn't an Inability', thesis work on youth resilience and caregiver stress. Each project includes key outcomes, target audience, and impact metrics where available. CTA: 'View Complete Portfolio' or 'Schedule Speaking Engagement'.

Section title: 'Let's Create Positive Change Together'. Opening statement: 'Ready to disrupt harmful norms and build more inclusive organizations? I'm here to help.' Contact options: 1) Speaking Engagements - For conferences, workshops, and keynote presentations, 2) Organizational Consulting - Accessibility audits, inclusive policy development, leadership training, 3) Research Collaboration - Partnership opportunities in disability studies and AI ethics, 4) Media & Interviews - Podcast appearances, expert commentary, thought leadership content. Contact information prominently displayed: Email: ericfishon@gmail.com, Phone: 631-979-7378, LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/eric-fishon (clickable link with text 'Connect on LinkedIn Professional Profile'). Additional links: 'Download Complete Resume' (https://s3.amazonaws.com/media-prod.butternut.ai/website_images/resume-image-upload/1764372920.5193775_EricFishonResume2025.pdf), 'Visit Dr. Disruptor Network' (DrDisruptors.com), 'Listen to Podcast on Spotify'. Final CTA: 'Start the Conversation'.

Home

<p>Discover a wealth of information and knowledge about disabilities advocacy, faith, and education.</p>

Welcome to Dr. Eric Fishon's Blog

Strengthening Online Instructor Presence: Three Practical Strategies for Inclusive Digital Learning

Orthodox Saturday of the Souls: Commemoration, Hope, and Prayer in Holy Lent

🌿 Sunday Feature: Agape Love in the Orthodox Faith — The Love That Transforms the World Title

WHEN “ACCESSIBILITY” BECOMES A BARRIER: A CRITICAL LOOK AT VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG’S DISABILITY SERVICES

UNDERSTANDING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE: A GUIDE TO RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND REAL INCLUSION