Anna Maria College & Oriol Health Care Clinical Training Partnership Expands in Central MA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anna Maria College and Oriol Health Care Partner to Expand Clinical Training in Central Massachusetts
Holden & West Boylston, MA — June 24, 2025 — Anna Maria College and Oriol Health Care have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), forming a formal partnership to expand clinical education, workforce development, and community engagement throughout Central Massachusetts.

This collaboration creates new hands-on learning opportunities for students and strengthens the connection between higher education and healthcare service providers in the Wachusett region. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to quality care, education, and innovation in workforce training.

Two signing events marked the formalization of the partnership. The first took place on May 8, 2025, at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center. In attendance from Anna Maria College were Mary Lou Retelle, President of Anna Maria College, Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences; Dr. May Mba, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs; and David Armstrong, Senior Advisor to Criminal Justice Operations. Representing Oriol Health Care were President and CEO Bob Oriol; Nathan Oriol, Director of Finance and Administrator of Oriol Home Health; Tara D’Andrea, Director of Operations; Cynthia Snyder, Director of Nursing at Holden Rehab; and members of the corporate leadership team.

A second signing event was held at Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center. Participants included Dr. Chioma Ugochukwu, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Anna Maria College; Dr. Cabrera; David Armstrong; Miatta Edi-Osagie, Administrator of Oakdale Rehab; Heather Perry, Director of Nursing Services; and David H. Oriol, Chief Strategy Officer.

The partnership will support students in a variety of disciplines, including nursing, social work, healthcare administration, emergency management, criminal justice, and mental health. Students will gain real-world experience in both facility and home health environments.

“This collaboration is rooted in shared values of service, education, and innovation,” said Bob Oriol, President and CEO of Oriol Health Care. “We’re proud to partner with Anna Maria College and welcome students as part of our continued investment in caregiving excellence.”

“Our partnership with Oriol Health Care aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for meaningful service and leadership in the community,” said Dr. Emily Cabrera, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences. “We’re proud to offer access to real-world settings that advance learning and patient care.”

With over 60 years of service, Oriol Health Care is a family-owned organization providing award-winning care throughout the greater Wachusett region. Oriol’s continuum of care includes skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home health, private care, therapy, and financial services—guided by the motto: “Our family taking care of yours.”

For more information about Oriol Health Care, visit www.oriolhealthcare.com.
To learn more about Anna Maria College, visit www.annamaria.edu.