- +91 8104638406
- ankit@touchonelife.org
- Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5:30pm
The Heart: Our Tribe
Meet the Team
Sonia Mackwani - Founder Director
Sonia Mackwani is an author, filmmaker, therapist, healer, theatre artist, and social entrepreneur with over two decades of experience. She founded Touching Lives, a non-profit organization in 2003, working with children, communities, and women in the slums of Mumbai, India, focusing on education, mental health, and art. She writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults, with published works including Everyone Can Heal (nonfiction), 365 Days of a Sufi (fiction), The Rocket Science Called Love (fiction), and Tales from Indian Mythology (for children). A portion of her book royalties supports her organization.
Sonia holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Hypnotherapy and has worked for over 20 years as a psychic healer and Improv coach, integrating art, therapy, and energy healing. She has supported individuals across diverse backgrounds and sexualities in rehabs, prisons, organizations, refugee camps, schools, and corporates worldwide. As an independent filmmaker, Sonia has written, directed, and assisted on short films and documentaries that have gained international recognition. Her award-winning short film SPACE screened at Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival, Michigan. Her short film story PILOT won 2nd prize at HessenLab@B3, Frankfurt 2024 and did its world premiere in Tasveer Film Festival, Seattle 2025 and continues to do its festival rounds. She is the Creative Head of Guidant Films, a film production company dedicated to impact storytelling.
Ankit Kanani - Chief Executive Officer
“Silence is therapeutic. Before you label or judge something, or someone, pause and reflect. Maybe then, you will get a bigger perspective”.
Favourite Book: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Ankit holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, specialising in Information Technology. He started his career in the corporate sector as an Associate with the management consulting firm, ZS Associates. In the short duration of six months, he realised that this was not a place where he truly belonged. That is when he took a leap of faith and decided to quit the job. He took a month’s break to find a career path, to which he felt connected. He joined Touching Lives in 2012, through some crazy and miraculous coincidences. If you ask him, he will narrate his story with a spark in his eyes!
His Touching Lives journey began with two roles - one as a Communications professional and the other as a Mentor for students. Through the years, Ankit worked in different capacities across organisational functions. He was also a part of the executing team at the grassroots level, interacting directly and supporting people living in slum communities. In 2018, he transitioned to the role of the Chief Executive Officer, overseeing various projects and functions at Touching Lives. He works extensively towards compliance, fundraising and managing donor relations (both individuals and organisations).
Ankit deeply connects with the Foundation Values of Touching Lives, especially the first one – ‘It is our need to serve, than saying we are serving the needy’. He also feels connected with the Self-Work* approach, focusing on self-reflection and personal evolution. He believes in executing projects with honesty and through the heart-space. Above all, he prioritises genuine and deep support to individuals and families, and does not focus exclusively on the number of lives touched.
Ankit has learnt several alternative healing modalities like Clinical Hypnotherapy and Reiki at Touching Lives. However, his go-to technique for himself is meditation. In his free time, he loves playing different sports, and listening to all genres of music. Also, he wouldn’t miss doing Wordle of the day!
Aditi Kanwar – Chief Operating Officer | Human Resources | Social Media Lead
“Intentions are my guiding force. The more I intend, the more I encounter miracles and its vast possibilities.”
Favourite Book - The Rocket Science Called Love by Sonia Mackwani
Aditi holds a Master's in Human Development and a Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling Psychology. She feels that her journey from the mind to the soul unfolded when she stepped into the therapeutic space of Touching Lives. The Universe planned for her to be here, where she found her roots and her purpose. Aditi joined in 2010 as she was inspired by the foundational values of Touching Lives and by Sonia Mackwani, the Founder-Director.
She started as a mentor for the Discovery Program and made her way to leading the Independent Learners Project. As a mentor, she developed a deep and lasting bond with children. Her creative teaching skills, value-based activities, and spending individual time with children helped her reach their hearts and touch their lives. She was not constrained by workdays or time. She continued setting high intentions for herself and her students, and worked diligently to achieve them.
Aditi is synonymous with passion, multitasking skills and a solution-focused attitude. With her past experience, she acts as a guiding force for the mentors. She executes all the activities under the Human Resources function. She also leads the Social Media vertical, sharing stories from Touching Lives with the world. An important part of her role is also managing an active group of volunteers and interns. In 2023, Aditi was promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer for the organisation. Through all her roles, Aditi continues to contribute significantly to Touching Lives.
The Self-Work* approach she learned here has been the strongest support for her, both, personally and professionally. She uses modalities like Angel Card Reading, Reiki, Ho’oponopono, Mandalas, and Affirmations in her life. Each day, she tries to make the world a more loving and supportive place for everyone - children, humans, and animals!
Shirin Jiwani - Curriculum and Pedagogy Lead, Trainer
“What matters at the end is what you take with you.”
Favourite Books: The Alchemist, Forty Rules of Love, and The Kite Runner
Shirin comes with over a decade’s worth of experience in teaching students, training educators, and engaging in eclectic pedagogy and methodologies to support her students’ needs. She holds a Master’s in Economics and Anthropology, and has diverse experience in the tourism industry. When she realised her affinity for teaching, she went on to pursue her B.Ed. and the Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers Course.
She joined Touching Lives team in 2018 as the mentor for Dream Project. Eventually, she went on to become a Teacher Trainer and Curriculum and Pedagogy Head, where she oversees the curriculum planning, development and execution. She also trains teachers to make them independent and conscious mentors. She is deeply invested in helping her students hone their skills, as well as guiding them for their careers. As someone who connects to creativity and expressive work, she finds that Touching Lives cultivates an environment where she experiences a sense of freedom and comfort. It has helped her form a profound connection with her work, the team, her students, and above all, the principles that drive the organisation.
For her Self-Work,* Shirin turns to prayers and silence, where she finds her answers. She is passionate about travelling and understanding the cultures, food habits, and art forms of a place. She is fascinated by how it is like a story where she is walking on the streets - some cobbled, some cemented, some rocky. She is with the characters, a setting, some known history and plenty of unknown mysteries!
Susan John - Project Head and Volunteer Engagement Lead
“Guided through His grace, illuminated through resilience and triumph.”
Favourite Book - Echoes by Danielle Steel
Susan is a Psychology graduate from Sophia College for Women. She has always been inclined towards roles that help her connect to people. At Touching Lives, she finds inspiration in working with children and their families. Witnessing the growth and transformation of these young minds fills her with a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
She joined as a Teaching Fellow for Foundation Class in 2023. She tries her best to make learning an enriching experience for every student. According to her, it is not just the children who are special but also the team of dedicated individuals she works with. Touching Lives has become more than just a workplace for Susan. It is a sanctuary of boundless energy, where the journey of Touching Lives intertwines with her own personal growth.
As part of her Self-Work* practices, she finds solace in praying, somatic healing, and affirmations. Journaling and morning walks have also helped her immensely. She loves to spend time with family, writing poems, and playing football. And yes, not to miss - she bakes delicious chocolate vegan cake.
Rida Shaikh - Beginners Program Mentor - Fellow
“If you are blessed with the choice to be anyone in this life, choose to be someone who is cool. Cool enough to be kind, compassionate and loving to themselves and to the rest of the world.”
Favourite Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Rida is an Accounts and Finance graduate. Halfway through her Chartered Accountancy preparation, she realised her love for working with children. Taking the first step towards her calling, she applied for a Masters in Social Work. During the course, her research work at a red-light area in Pune made her realise the importance of making education more inclusive and accessible for children, especially those in vulnerable communities.
Having completed two diplomas – one in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and another in Counselling Psychology -- she is now equipped to fulfil her childhood dream of becoming a teacher. At Touching Lives, Rida aims to create a safe classroom space – one where every child feels seen and heard. Each day, she tries her best to appreciate them for who they are as a person.
Being a part of the social sector for more than two years now, Rida realises the need to take time to heal her own self. Her practices include daily yoga sessions, journalling and listening to happy, calming music. On her days off, she likes to plan trips and take off spontaneously. Don’t ask her to choose, as she is still in the pursuit of figuring out whether she is a mountain or a beach person.
Shweta Sankulkar - Dream Program Mentor - Fellow
“Inspire with your passion, support with your heart, and guide with your wisdom - be the voice of encouragement and the hand of support that turns dreams into reality for your students.”
Favourite Book: “You Are Born To Blossom” by APJ Abdul Kalam.
Shweta comes with a strong background in Literature and History from Sophia College for Women. To further hone her teaching skills, she pursued a B.Ed. from Hansraj College of Education where she learnt innovative approaches to engage and inspire learners. She has two years of teaching experience, having served as an English, EVS, and Life Skills teacher with reputed schools in Mumbai.
At Touching Lives, she strives to make a meaningful impact on young minds and contribute to their holistic development. For Shweta, mentorship is not limited to teaching but is also engaging deeply with students. She tries to make learning fun, by incorporating students’ interests. She also values feedback from them, which further shapes her journey as a mentor. Most importantly, she focuses on being a role model and supporter in the students’ journey toward self-discovery.
Through Self-Work* and healing practices, Shweta connects with her inner self. She finds peace and balance through yoga. As an avid reader, she loses herself in the timeless escape of reading. She enjoys practicing calligraphy, which allows her creative self to find expression. Finally, her love for travel fuels her curiosity and desire to explore newer horizons.
Jahnavi Sharma - Beginners Program Mentor - Fellow
“For the girl who never quite knew what she wanted to do with her life, and for the woman who figured it out.”
Favourite Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jahnavi is an artistic individual with a Bachelor's in Literature and a Master's in Psychology. In her previous role, she worked in customer service and assistance, which strengthened her interpersonal and communication skills. She joined Touching Lives in 2025, for the love and joy of being with children.
She deeply believes in "giving what she has received from people," and she feels excited by the opportunity to do just that at Touching Lives. She finds the environment to be nurturing; one that encourages growth within. To her, it felt like a space where she could merge her passion for psychology with meaningful interactions. She aims to bring a unique blend of her insight and artistic expression to facilitate learning, healing, growth, and joy for children.
Jahnavi is a strong believer in the power of kindness and connection. She also extends it to her own self, by caring for her wellbeing through reading, writing, baking, painting, and any acts of creating. The creative inspiration helps her stay grounded, reflective, and show up more authentically in life.
Gauri Ambre - Transit Program Mentor - Fellow
“Calm, indeed the calmest reflection might be better than the most confused decisions.”
Favourite Book: The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Gauri's educational journey began with a deep love for reading, which naturally led her to pursue a Master’s degree in English Literature. Her passion for teaching was sparked early on, sitting beside her mother during tuitions, to assist her in the classes. This is where she first experienced the joy of helping others learn. Her mother’s unwavering motivation and support inspired her to step into the world of education wholeheartedly. This passion only grew stronger when she began teaching in a school setting. The spark she saw in her students' eyes became her daily source of strength and joy—a reminder of why she chose this path.
She came across Touching Lives in 2025, and when she went through the social media photos, all she could see were happy children. Seeing their smiles filled her with so much joy — and the decision to work at Touching Lives. She is now an active contributor to their happiness, as she lovingly conducts her classes. Gauri intends to be a guiding light—offering encouragement, motivation, and a listening ear to her students, ensuring they always feel seen, supported, and believed in.
Beyond the classroom, Gauri finds healing and happiness in creativity. Art helped her navigate some of the roughest phases of her life, and today she aspires to pass on that inspiration to her students. She expresses herself through writing poems and short stories, and turns to painting as a form of self-care and emotional release. She is open to talking to you about all things healing and arts!
Divya Thevar - Program Support Associate
“Managing stress with tranquillity and embracing challenges with a smile.”
Favourite Book: Grandma’s Bag of Stories by Sudha Murthy
Divya joined Touching Lives as a student, when she was in her 12th grade. She is a student-turned-mentor and initially joined as a part-time teacher to teach phonics and alphabets to children. Children were quick to warm up and loved her presence. Seeing her innate skills, she was offered sponsorship for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and Waldorf Teacher Training Methodology. She was also sponsored to complete her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Literature.
Over time, Divya developed a holistic perspective towards teaching, focusing on the physical, emotional as well as spiritual dimensions. Consequently, she joined as a mentor for the Beginners Program in 2013. She left Touching Lives and relocated to Chennai in 2017. However, due to personal challenges, she soon had to return to Mumbai. Since 2021, Divya has once again joined the team. Life truly came full circle for Divya and she is back to fulfilling her purpose!
Besides working as a mentor, Divya is also an entrepreneur. She founded Serena Sutra Arts with support of Touching Lives, where she lovingly crafts handmade products, charged with love and positive energy and is invited for exhibitions.
On the inside, Divya still feels like a child and enjoys each second with her students. She has learnt Access Consciousness and Matrix Energetics here and applies it regularly. She also feels that the monthly healing sessions for mentors greatly help her personal well-being. She stays committed to healing, as she also nurtures her young school-going son.
Drashti Shah - Mental Health Program Lead
“I feel at home in the entire world, wherever there are clouds and birds and human tears.”
Favourite book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Drashti always envisioned a world where each person lives a mentally healthy life; one with more rightness and kindness. She realised that she could fit into the ecosystem of helping and serving by enabling people to achieve this, emotionally and psychologically. Hence, she chose to pursue a Bachelor's in Psychology, followed by a Master's in Psychology. She also holds a second Master's in Philosophy. To add to her skills repertoire, she also pursued a certification course in Art Therapy. In the past, she has worked as a full-time Crisis Counsellor/Counselling Psychologist with an NGO, helping her build a psychosocial lens.
Drashti leads the Care Program – the mental health and healing initiative at Touching Lives – that supports the journey of children, mothers, the Touching Lives team, as well as the social sector community at large. She brings creativity, compassion, and nuance to the role. What drew her to Touching Lives is the purpose — bringing about larger change by creating a ripple effect. When she decided to join, it felt more like a deeper calling rather than just another professional opportunity. Through meaningful work, she wishes to strive towards the collective goal of healing, education, mental well-being and creative self-expression.
She identifies as someone with a need for creativity in her daily life. She enjoys reading new poetry, baking, crocheting, working out, sleeping well, philosophical discussions, and expressing herself through conversations and journaling. Music is also a mainstay for her – be it listening to music, singing, playing the guitar and harmonium. Through this space of creative fulfilment, Drashti finds meaning and purpose in her life.
Palak Raval - Holistic Counselor and Facilitator
“Everything in life happens for a reason, and every experience is a lesson in disguise.”
Favourite Book: Life’s Amazing Secrets by Gaur Gopal Das
Palak has completed her Master’s in Counselling Psychology, post which she joined Touching Lives in 2025. Her education not only shaped her understanding of human behaviour but also deepened her commitment to healing and emotional well-being. She has always been drawn to people’s inner worlds—their emotions, stories, and the silent battles they fight—and it is this connection that has kept her rooted in the work she does. She values authenticity, empathy, and simplicity in both her personal and professional life.
At Touching Lives, she hopes to bring presence, emotional sensitivity, and creative energy into everything she does—whether it's through counseling, facilitating activities, or simply holding space for someone who needs it. Her vision is to help children and mothers feel seen, safe, and inspired to connect with their own strength and voice. She wants to plant seeds of confidence, compassion, and inner clarity that will grow with them over time. In her words, Touching Lives is a living, breathing community which is beautiful and real - one that believes in love, mindfulness, and helps others connect with their true selves.
In her personal space, Palak likes to slow down and take mindful pauses through the day. She spends her time reflecting, listening to music, pursuing creative activities and choosing silence – little joys that help her stay connected to herself. Her life’s motto is: “Be the space where healing begins.” She believes that simply showing up with a genuine heart can offer others the courage to begin their own journey.
Gaganjeet - Facilitator, Trainer, Project Design
Gaganjeet Singh is a Post Graduate in Applied Psychology from the University of Delhi, and the intricacies of human behaviour fascinate him to no end. He started his career by working with corporate training organisations. He soon gained experience and exposure into learning and development needs of corporate professionals, designing custom-made training solutions, and delivering behavioural interventions.
In 2013, he paid more attention and listened to his inner calling to work in the development sector. He is passionate about contributing meaningfully to the betterment of the world through all his personal and professional endeavours. The journey through various roles and achievements enriched and deepened his understanding of complex issues that the social sector strives to solve. Volunteer management, partnership development, youth leadership, and sustainability initiatives have emerged as his chief areas of engagement and pursuit.
Since 2023, he has been working with Touching Lives in different capacities - designing program strategies, content development, research endeavours, general management, mentoring and coaching the team, as well as developing monthly reflection processes. The soulful nature of work and the deep fulfilment he finds here inspire him to contribute more to the lives of children and their families.
Almas Ajani - Life-Skill and Creativity Coach | Self-work* for Social Sector Project Lead
Almas is a Personal and Professional Development Coach, Trainer, and Mentor with 27+ years of corporate experience across the Service, Banking, and Education sectors. Her journey with the Taj Group of Hotels, ICICI Bank, RBL Bank, and VIBGYOR Group of Schools equips her to guide individuals and organisations with both depth and clarity. Her key areas of expertise include leadership development, life coaching and mentorship, strategic communication, team growth, as well as storytelling and voice-work.
In 2025, Almas joined Touching Lives in the capacity of a Consultant for various projects. She brings her extensive experience, delivering core modules for ongoing team training and development. She also works as a part of the Self-work* for Social Sector initiative, curating training material for social sector professionals, to enable conscious professional development.
Sameer P - Care Program Consultant | Writer and Editor
"Ultimately, it all comes down to being truthful to your core and patient in its pursuit. You are what you don't know yet."
Favourite Book: It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn
Sameer is a mental health professional and has over five years of experience in the social sector. In his practice, he works with children and adults having diverse concerns. He has always been intrigued by human connections and the subtle depths of life. Out of pure synchronicity, he was drawn to Touching Lives and found a lasting connection.
Through the years, his roles at Touching Lives have evolved. In the past, he has been a mentor for the Discovery Program, working directly with children and their families. He also worked briefly as a curriculum developer. Currently, Sameer works as the Care Program Consultant, helping the team with therapeutic planning and intervention. He also doubles up as a Writer-Editor, sharing the work of Touching Lives through the written word. He enjoys both these pursuits and tries to maintain a clear, sensitive, and compassionate voice. Above all, he loves bringing to life all the stories related to learning, healing, and of course, children.
Since a young age, Sameer has been involved in healing and therapeutic practices. Journaling, spending time in nature, mudras and pranayama are a part of his daily life. He believes that healing and living go hand-in-hand. He enjoys solitude, books, and also some chocolate to go with it. Sameer’s heart lies in making a difference, in whatever way he can.
Kanupriya Gupta - Content Developer
“Love and service is the path to one’s own healing. It makes us realise that healing is the truth of the world - and not suffering.”
Favourite Books: The Alchemist and A Thousand Splendid Suns
Kanupriya holds a graduation in Performing Arts (Theatre), English and Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore. She went on to complete her postgraduate studies from Whistling Woods International in Filmmaking (Direction). She started her journey in performing arts at an early age, with Hindustani Classical Music and Kathak being the first. Later, she went on to train in several other art forms and that is where she first experienced healing.
Her connection with Touching Lives goes back to 2015, when she worked on the documentary film - Child of Nature. The cords of deep connection finally led to her joining full-time as a Filmmaker and Content Creator in 2024. Currently, Kanupriya is supporting multiple projects of Touching Lives with content development and design. Her work enables her to tell meaningful stories through the medium of films and content. She believes that the Values of Touching Lives will help her build a strong foundation for her creative storytelling and enrich her connection with her craft.
Kanupriya uses dance as a tool to connect with herself. Letting her body flow with the movement and opening up to it, is a healing practice for her. She also practises meditation, tarot reading and energy healing regularly. Whenever possible, she nourishes her artistic spirit through painting, singing, film appreciation, and reading.
Asmita - HR Consultant
In her career span of two decades, Asmita has largely been an HR Business partner. During this period alongside supporting businesses with strategic HR inputs and building a high performance organization, she has been involved in Talent Management with her focus on developing learning solutions across hierarchies, team interventions, organizational culture, change management, mentoring, coaching, high potential career development, and diversity and inclusion.
She is passionate about coaching and mentoring, facilitating leadership development, and building organizational capability - all of which has allowed her to make meaningful difference to the organizations and employees that she has worked with.
Asmita started her association with Touching Lives as an HR Consultant in 2025. She offers HR advisory services to support organisational growth and employee engagement including policies and compliance, hiring and performance management, payroll administration, employee relations, training and development, and other HR-related tasks. She finds the consultancy to be a very fulfilling opportunity for her.
Prashant Ojha - Finance Manager
Prashant holds 14+ years of experience in accounts and financials management of corporate sector, including the rich experience of 7+ years with start-ups, where he managed end-to-end accounting, financial and operations, fundraising, and MIS work. He provides key financial data, support, and reporting which assists management in taking key business decisions.
Prashant started his association with Touching Lives in 2025 as a Finance Manager, and is keen to understand the non-profit sector. He manages the finance function of the organisation, including maintaining accurate accounts, managing budgets, handling tax filings with auditors, and preparing financial reports. He prioritises transparency and accountability in the financial processes, to align with Touching Lives’ values.
