Board of Directors

Faye Girsh

President & Founder Faye Girsh, EdD

Known as a “star of the right-to-die movement,” Faye has been leading HSSD for over 39 years. She practiced as a clinical and forensic psychologist in San Diego for 18 years, and founded the precursor of the Final Exit Network, Caring Friends. 

Vice President Chris Palmer, MPA

Chris Palmer is an end-of-life activist and a trained hospice volunteer. He frequently gives presentations and workshops to community groups on aging, death, and dying issues. He founded and leads an aging, death, and dying group for the Bethesda Metro Area Village and serves on the board of several nonprofits focused on end-of-life issues, including Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice, Final Exit Network, Funeral Consumers Alliance, and the Maryland Office of Cemetery Oversight. He has written ten books — the latest is Achieving a Good Death: A Practical Guide to the End of Life. He holds advanced degrees from Harvard’s Kennedy School (in Public Administration) and University College London (in Marine Engineering). Before becoming involved in end-of-life issues, he spent forty years as a wildlife and conservation filmmaker.

Treasurer Janet Hager, BS in Physical Therapy

Janet Hager is a retired physical therapist who spent the majority of her career working in geriatric rehabilitation.  She is the daughter and wife of veterinarians, so has been exposed to the compassionate ending that euthanasia can provide.  These influences along with experiencing her husband’s (David’s) death from pancreatic cancer after he had obtained, but was unable to utilize California’s End of Life Option Act medications led her to Hemlock.

Christie Golemb, Vice-President

Secretary Christie Golemb

In 2021, Christie took her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, to Switzerland for Voluntary Assisted Death. She feels strongly that no one should have to leave California to achieve a peaceful death. Christie is a well-respected REALTOR® in San Diego and for fun she plays on various tennis teams and indulges in her passion for fresh powder by going heli-skiing. Travel is in her blood and she loves exploring new places.

Amber Morra

Amber Morra has spent the past 10 years working in hospice as a hospice liaison and patient advocate. She finds hospice work incredibly rewarding, as it allows her to make a meaningful difference by supporting patients and families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Amber reminds them that they have options and emphasizes the importance of voicing and documenting their wishes.

Her ultimate goal is to help seniors navigate the healthcare system while advocating for their rights and preferences. Amber enjoys providing patients and families with resources whenever possible, helping them regain control of their lives and destinies.

Amber has always been deeply interested in the Hemlock Society, as she feels its mission aligns perfectly with her commitment to patient autonomy and compassionate care. She sees it as a powerful way to continue advocating for end-of-life choices, supporting individuals in making informed, empowered decisions.

John McNew

John spent over 30 years in the tech industry as a software developer and manager before shifting focus to teaching yoga and meditation. With a deep commitment to mindfulness and well-being, John brings a compassionate approach to guiding others through stress management and self-care. As an advocate for personal autonomy in end-of-life decisions, he supports informed choices that honor individual dignity and self-determination. Through his work with the Hemlock Society of San Diego, John strives to promote open, meaningful conversations about personal agency and end-of-life options.