The Consult

 “We want our people at HRP to get the message that we care about the whole person, not just the person as an employee,” says Teresa Domnauer, HR Office Coordinator. “If your mental health isn’t taken care of, then everything else is more difficult.”

This philosophy guides HRP’s recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month every May, an effort spearheaded by the HRP Wellness Committee and shaped by Teresa, and HRP’s passion and creativity. “Mental health awareness is near and dear to my heart,” she shares. That care is evident in the range of thoughtful, engaging, and accessible activities planned across HRP’s offices throughout the month.

Each Friday, employees are encouraged to wear green—the color of mental health awareness—and enjoy themed snacks like green grapes, smoothies, and cucumber salad. But the initiatives go far beyond the symbolic. The Women’s Employee Resource Group (WERG) hosts the weekly “Meditation Minute” via Teams, helping staff across locations pause, breathe, and reset.

One of the more unique wellness offerings is a series of Zentangle® drawing workshops led by Teresa herself, a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT). “There’s something relaxing about it—the repetition of drawing,” she explains. The Zentangle Method is a mindful art practice using structured patterns, or “tangles,” drawn with simple shapes on small tiles. With no expected outcome, participants focus only on each stroke, encouraging relaxation, focus, and creative expression.

Creative expression is a theme throughout the month. In addition to Zentangle drawing, HRP employees are invited to contribute to a group graffiti-style painting, guided by creative prompts. The goal? A vibrant, collaborative collage that reflects the team's collective voice.

For those looking for quieter moments of reflection, Relaxation Stations are set up with activities like coloring pages, playdough, Spirograph, and Magna Doodle. These stations, along with Quiet Rooms, provide calming spaces to step away and recharge.

Other ongoing activities include:

• Gratitude Trees, where employees can add notes of appreciation to a growing display.
• Create Your Own Wellness Wheel, a tool to reflect on life balance.
• Positive message stickers at coffee stations and reception areas.
• Informational flyers highlighting HRP’s wellness programs and local and national mental health resources.
• Financial wellness tools offered in partnership with Fidelity.

Teresa designed many of the flyers and materials promoting these efforts. “We wanted to make sure everyone knew about the free resources HRP offers—like our employee assistance program and the First Stop Health app, which gives you quick access to doctors and prescriptions as well as mental health care. It’s all about removing barriers and making support easy to find.”

By blending mindfulness, creativity, education, and community, HRP’s Mental Health Awareness Month programming sends a clear message: your well-being matters. That care extends beyond job performance and embraces the full human experience.