Be Well - The Salesianum Wellness Center

Fr. Brian Zumrbum, OSFS, speaking at the Center's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

In many of St. Francis de Sales’ writings, our patron addresses what today we call mental health. His instructions, such as to be patient with others but above all, patient with ourselves, are critical lessons we can apply when caring for our mental well-being.

Following the footsteps of DeSales, The Hynansky Wellness Center at Salesianum School (Wilmington, DE), promotes the well-being of the whole person. This dedicated hub is where students can easily and comfortably access wellness resources. The Center, which opened in Fall 2024, is infused with Salesian Spirituality and the spirit of St. Francis, and his little virtues live and breathe there.

Addressing mental health is a natural component of Salesianum’s commitment to educating the whole student and caring for their souls as much as their minds. St. Francis de Sales’ writing lends itself to the wellness conversations as boys are reminded to be who they are and be that well while being gentle with themselves.

Students enjoying the Hynansky Wellness Center.

With recliner chairs, puzzles, and games, the Wellness Center instantly feels comfortable and welcoming. Offices of mental health counselors line the perimeter; there’s a space for telehealth services, and a large table against the back wall for homework, team projects, and meetings. This gathering space, called Sean’s Room, is a gift from Unlocke the Light, a non-profit that empowers young people by providing them with the tools, education, and resources needed to understand mental health. The Room is named for Sean Locke, a young man who lost his battle with depression.

The partnership between the Locke family and Salesianum works to ensure that any student, at any time, for any reason, is welcome at the Wellness Center. Maybe he is struggling with anxiety or depression. Maybe he wants to just relax, be around new scenery, or grab a snack. All may come – and they do!

“They all know it is here,” said Molly Ontiveros, Director of the Wellness Center since 2022. “We have normalized coming here because we want to lower the barriers to accessing support at all levels.”

The Center has two full-time counselors (Ontiveros and Pat Dever), and Fr. Brian Zumbrum, OSFS, serves as a part-time social worker. They meet boys where they are at and encourage honest vulnerability and genuine conversations. They give boys permission to find healthy and safe ways to experience all they are feeling.

Ontiveros explained that it is critical to eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help. The Center does this in creative ways, like leaving post-its on lockers during mid-term weeks to remind boys they can stop in at any time. The Salesian reflections shared by seniors at school Masses often incorporate stories of how they used the resources available.

“Our message is that there are a lot of reasons why you go to the Wellness Center ... and it's okay not to be okay,” said Ontiveros.

The Center has two full-time counselors (Ontiveros and Pat Dever), and Fr. Brian Zumbrum, OSFS, serves as a part-time social worker. They meet boys where they are at and encourage honest vulnerability and genuine conversations. They give boys permission to find healthy and safe ways to experience all they are feeling.

Like so many high school boys across the country, students at Salesianum struggle with anxiety, depression, and family conflict. Many set very high expectations for themselves, and they grapple with identity and confidence in forming friendships. Social media apps only intensify these, as social comparison is constantly just a screen away.

By destigmatizing seeking help and offering a variety of programs, the Wellness Center supports students facing these and other challenges. The five counselors are available to the entire student population for ad hoc or long-term one-on-one counseling relationships. The Peer Counseling Program trains upperclassmen to support first-year students. As one who has walked in the shoes of a freshman, the peer counselor offers a unique perspective that their Salesianum brothers do not receive from an adult counselor.

St. Francis, who had his own battles with depression, is often remembered for his famous quote, ‘Be who you are and be that well.” He knew firsthand that sometimes that’s not so easy, sometimes we need help. The Wellness Center at Salesianum offers that assistance!