Christopher E. Fisher, Psy.D., a 2014 graduate of St. John’s University School of Education, will be honored at the 15th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (LEAD) on April 16 at Stewart Manor Country Club in Stewart Manor, New York. Fisher is a licensed clinical psychologist and currently serves as Director of Behavioral Health at Zucker Hillside Hospital, part of Northwell Health. He also holds an assistant professorship at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University and runs a private practice in Rockville Centre.
Fisher described his reaction to being recognized by his alma mater: “It truly feels like an honor and a recognition that genuinely caught me off guard. Throughout my career, I’ve been far more focused on providing recognition, awards, and praise to others for their hard work and dedication than receiving it myself. It is incredibly meaningful to know that, even 12 years later, the St. John’s School of Education continues to watch, support, and celebrate its alumni with pride. To be recognized alongside other flourishing and accomplished alumni is deeply humbling, and I am truly grateful to be included among such an inspiring group.”
In his role as director at Zucker Hillside Hospital, Fisher oversees clinical operations across four ambulatory programs within the Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Department: the Adult Mental Health Clinic, Behavioral Health Crisis Center, Rapid Access Center, and Clozapine Clinic. These programs collectively account for over 65,000 behavioral health visits annually.
Fisher emphasized his commitment to education within mental health care: “I find deep meaning in directly and indirectly educating and training psychiatry residents, psychology fellows and interns, as well as social work and mental health counseling interns who are the future of our mental health workforce. As a lifelong learner, it is equally rewarding to learn from trainees, particularly as graduate training curricula continue to evolve alongside advances in clinical research and practice.”
He credits his Master’s Degree from St. John’s School of Education as foundational for his career: “I consider my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to be the foundation upon which I have built my entire clinical career. TSOE instilled in me the value of finding the ‘can’ in every person I work with. The patient-centered, humanistic, and strength-based framework I gained at St. John’s has allowed me to sustain hope while working with some of the most complex and challenging clinical cases of my career.”
Fisher highlighted several professors who influenced him during his studies: “Heather Robertson,Ph.D.,James Bethea, Ph.D., and the late Robert Eschenauer, Ph.D. stand out as the faculty who most profoundly influenced my career during my time at TSOE… These professors helped identify and develop my potential as a student clinician and supported my growth both academically and clinically.”
Reflecting on his time at St. John’s University—an institution affiliated with the Vincentian Community that offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools according to its official website—Fisher said he values most being part of a supportive cohort: “What I cherish most is being part of a truly special cohort… We pushed one another to grow… That shared experience remains one of the most meaningful aspects of my time at St. John’s.” The university operates campuses in Queens and Manhattan along with international sites as detailed online, supporting multicultural initiatives through its centers.
To current students or recent graduates entering education or related fields he offered this advice: “Find meaning in what you do, and let your values guide your path forward… Life is hard… But recognizing the power of your choices is what will allow you to weather storms…”
St. John’s University continues its mission as a Catholic institution dedicated to liberal arts education under leaders such as Rev. Brian J. Shanley per university information.
