Board of Directors

Barbara Morris, MD

Barbara Morris, MD, (she/her/hers) a geriatrician, Golden Colorado, is a strong proponent of the Colorado End of Life Options Act. Barbara is a fierce defender of every Coloradan’s right to patient-centered end-of-life care with equal access to all legal options. In her consulting practice, she works with patients and families to understand their care management and end of life needs. She is proud to be a founding member of End of Life Options Colorado Board of Directors. Barbara lives in Golden, Colorado with her husband and her adorable chihuahua. She thrives on enjoying the beauty and peace of the Colorado mountains. In addition to her role with End-of-Life Options Colorado, Barbara is an emeritus member of the Board of Directors of The Family Tree in Denver. She is proud to have served on over 20 volunteer teams in the United States as well as India, Vietnam, Ecuador, Peru, Tanzania, Paraguay, Guatemala, and Cuba.

Sigrid Swerdlin

Sigrid Swerdlin (she/her/hers) has been a manager in Finances, IT and Change Management for many years in various countries (Germany, England, Rwanda, Senegal, Ghana and the USA). Sigrid brings both her passion for dignity at the end-of-life and a global perspective to the End of Life Options Colorado Board of Directors.

She has served the community as a certified End of Life Doula since early 2021 and is an active hospice volunteer. Sigrid currently holds the position of project manager for testing medical devices for a localization company.

Crispin Sargent

Crispin Sargent (she/her/hers) is a former geriatric care manager and consulted with clients regarding entitlement benefits- Medicare and Social Security assisting with enrollment. She focused on fiduciary responsibility – serving as medical and financial power of attorney, conservator, trustee, and personal representative. Crispin expanded her end of life focus and got certified as an advance care planner, grief yoga instructor, and grief educator. Crispin is a trained doula with focus on the business of death – how everything gets paid for – and volunteers with Namaste Hospice in 11th Hour service. First and foremost Crispin is a guide and an educator.

Ruth Curran

Ruth Curran (she/her/hers) is a social impact advocate with expertise in non-profit systems and process, fundraising, program/project management, board development, and strategic partnership cultivation and management. Ruth is a trained counselor with experience as a patient advocate for those facing barriers to services. She is passionate about ensuring access to care and support across the lifespan for all. Ruth has worked in both domestic and global arenas to build connections and strong partnerships, and to facilitate operations. Ruth is excited to bring her skills, gifts, and talents to the End of Life Options Colorado Board of Directors.

Erin Clarkinson, DO

Erin Clarkinson, DO, (she/her/hers) is an internal medicine, hospice and palliative medicine physician in Durango, CO. In her private practice, Dignity Care Colorado, she provides patient centered end of life care including expert guidance and support through the medical aid in dying process. She is a fierce advocate for patient autonomy and choice so that each patient can access care than honors their personal and unique goals and values. Erin actively volunteers her time with multiple nonprofits and work groups aimed at improving healthcare in her community. She is excited to support End of Life Options Colorado and work to ensure all Coloradans can learn about and access end of life options available to them.

Ellen Friedman, MA

Ellen Friedman, M.A. (she/her/hers) has been following an inner calling to educate, partner and companion people at end of life for a few decades. As a retired physical therapist who worked across the continuum of healthcare, she discovered a sacred space being with people as they approach the conclusion of their life’s journey. She is passionate about people learning end of life options so that friends and family can honor their personal wishes. Ellen serves people in person in Mesa and Gunnison counties and virtually throughout the world. She brings a peaceful loving presence to all conversations.