Dec. 8, 2025 – Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River has been named the 2025 Business Partner of the Year by the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS). The recognition highlights a growing partnership that supports workforce development and expands career exploration opportunities for local students.
The collaboration began with OCVTS’ Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, where Encompass Health Toms River provided clinical exposure and professional insight to students preparing for careers in nursing. Following the success of that initiative, the partnership expanded to include additional OCVTS programs.
“[Our staff] get great satisfaction in sharing their stories and exposing the students to situations and information that will be helpful to the students as they learn,” said Lori Munyan, human resources director at Encompass Health Toms River.
OCTVS students who are enrolled in programs such as nursing, health and fitness technology, culinary, retail store operations and marketing regularly visit Encompass Health Toms River for job observation opportunities.
“We believe we have a responsibility to our community to help develop the health care professionals of the future,” Munyan said. “This relationship helps us to educate the community about the services we provide and can help the students see that there are more employment opportunities in a hospital than being a doctor or a nurse. We go out to the schools to provide information and education to the students in the classrooms and invite them into the hospital to meet our staff and see the job options firsthand.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment by both organizations to support the next generation of health care and service professionals in Ocean County.