Meet Britta: Founder Story
In March 2024, I faced one of the most heart-wrenching decisions of my life: saying goodbye to my beloved dog, Jasper. For the past 15 years, Jasper was more than just a pet; he was an inseparable part of my journey. Losing him has been the most profound and overwhelming experience I’ve ever faced.
My grief was intense. And it left me feeling isolated and often misunderstood.
Through research, I discovered I was not alone in this experience. The loss of a pet is categorized as disenfranchised grief– grief that is unacknowledged or invalidated by societal norms. Many people who lose a pet feel ashamed and fear being perceived as overly dramatic about how profoundly the loss affects their daily lives. Studies indicate that more than 75% of individuals experience intense grief lasting at least 12 months.
This experience led me to create Jasper, a space dedicated to validating and acknowledging grief. Jasper is a community of like-minded individuals who truly understand what you’re going through. We blend empathy, connection, support, and science to offer a nurturing environment where you can navigate your grief at your own pace. Our approach is designed to help you learn and grow through the process, providing the support you need to heal.
Meet the Team
Meet the founding team of Jasper. A dedicated team committed to transforming the way we navigate, process, and grow through grief.
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Head of Grief Specialists, Content and Education
Margaret began her career as a registered nurse at Georgetown University Hospital, where she specialized in orthopedics, neurosurgery, and neurology. After discovering her passion for mental health, she pursued a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from Fairfield University, gaining extensive experience in inpatient psychiatric care at Yale New Haven Hospital and Stamford Hospital. Margaret recently relocated to Florida, where she now works at an outpatient psychiatric clinic. She treats adults experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, grief, and insomnia.
As a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, she supports clients who are grieving the loss of a loved one—whether that’s a family member, child, spouse, or pet. Margaret understands firsthand the deep connection between humans and dogs, having experienced both the joys of companionship and the heartbreak of loss.
Her goal as a counselor is to provide a compassionate space to help clients process their grief and navigate difficult emotions. She'll focus on giving you the safe space you've been looking for, ensuring you are not alone as you navigate your healing journey.