Laurel Torres

Laurel Torres is the Director of Career Services at HCI College, bringing more than 20 years of healthcare management, coordination, and program development experience to her role. She is passionate about helping students prepare for successful careers and building strong connections between higher education, employers, and the community.

Laurel relocated from New York to Florida in 2014 and most recently spent six years as the Manager of Volunteer Services and Clinical Rotation Coordinator for VITAS Healthcare. In this role, she managed recruitment, retention, and compliance initiatives, oversaw a robust volunteer program, and developed and maintained clinical rotation partnerships.

Prior to joining VITAS Healthcare, Laurel spent three years supporting the CEO of Diagnostic Centers of America, a rapidly growing radiology organization with six facilities. She provided high-level administrative support and coordinated regulatory compliance activities, including accreditation requirements, modality compliance, preventative maintenance tracking, and AHCA compliance.

Before moving to Florida, Laurel spent 24 years with New York-Presbyterian Hospital in its Behavioral Health Division, where she served as Volunteer Manager and Coordinator of Behavioral Health Programs. Her responsibilities included overseeing programs such as the Summer Youth Program, Pre-Career Practicum, Community Volunteers, Accelerated High School Program, and Vocational Volunteers. She also co-developed the hospital’s Paws for Patients pet therapy program, recruiting and coordinating certified pet therapy teams.

At HCI College, Laurel focuses on developing outreach strategies and fostering partnerships with organizations across the nonprofit and business communities. She also works directly with students to support their career development, including resume preparation, interview strategies, job-search techniques, and career planning.

Laurel holds a B.S. in Communications from the State University of New York College at Brockport.