“At first, Conscious Touch was about being visited by friends.
Now it feels
like family.”
What We Do
Conscious Touch Teams is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing consent-based, compassionate touch to residents in long-term care facilities.
Through structured training and ongoing support, we prepare volunteers to offer respectful, human connection to individuals who may otherwise experience prolonged isolation.
This is not clinical care or massage.
It is dignified, intentional, and gentle presence.
We believe meaningful connection is not a luxury — it is essential to wellbeing.
Why We Exist
Many residents in long-term care go days — sometimes weeks — without meaningful conversation or supportive touch from the outside community.
Conscious Touch Teams bridges that gap by training volunteers to offer safe, consent-based presence rooted in dignity.
When someone feels seen, heard, and respected, it restores connection and belonging.
Our Story & History
Conscious Touch Teams was founded in response to a simple but powerful truth: no one should be left without human connection. Inspired by the life of St. Damien of Molokai - who chose to live among and care for those isolated with leprosy - our work is grounded in dignity, courage, and compassionate presence.
What began as a small initiative has developed into a formalized training program serving long-term care and hospice communities across the Bay Area. Through structured education and supervised practice, volunteers are prepared to offer supportive, consent-based touch to individuals who may otherwise experience profound isolation.
Our mission remains rooted in the same values that inspired its beginning: respect, service, and the healing power of human connection
How It Works
Connect
Residents who consent
are paired with trained volunteer teams.
Support
Professional staff ensure safety, oversight, and continuity of care.
Volunteers provide structured, nurturing touch and presence in 15–30 minute sessions per assigned resident.
Visit
Our Board & Team
Our board members and team have 90+ years experience in healthcare, volunteer coordination, and compassionate service.
Christopher Cherney
President & Founder
Nursing Home Administrator since 1997
Yadira Aldana
Board Member
11 years leading initiatives that support older adults and their families.
Cristina Flores
Board Member
30 years in elder care; former faculty at San Francisco State and UCSF.
Colette Mercier
Board Member & Lead Trainer
20 years as a midwife and licensed marriage and family therapist.
Felicia Stenson
Board Member
30 years serving patients and families in hospice care.
Dominick Alvarez
RN and Infection Prevention Consultant with 11 years in elder care.
Michelle Sarrade
Program Director
18 years as an elder care provider
and program manager.
Kahtya Cherney
Development & Donor Relations
Lilly Buddin
Program Assistant
Ella Suchikul
Program Assistant
Nina Cauntay
Program Assistant
Support Conscious Touch Teams
Your donation directly supports compassionate care for nursing home residents.