Dr. Jess' research interests in the field of human include HIV/AIDS, sexual health education, sexual pleasure and gendered sexuality. Her doctoral work included the development, delivery, and evaluation of a training program for teachers in sexual health education.
Recent presentations include:
Consent Event Symposium
- Sex Talk Panel (2017)
Life Balance Conference
- Myths About Sex & Love (2017)
- Women's Only Intensive Program (2017)
- The Power of Collaboration (2016)
- Digital Engagement for Higher Returns (2016)
- The Politics of Pleasure: Sex Versus Food (2016)
The 12th Biennial Western Canadian Sexual Health Conference
- Strategic Resource Collaboration and Creation (2016)
- The Conversation Continues (2016)
Ophea Conference
- Human Development & Sexual Health (2016)
- Mental Health & Sex Education (2016)
Women's Health & Wellness Luncheon
- Spice Up Your Relationship! (2016)
Body, Sex, and Business
- Empowered Women: From The Boardroom to the Bedroom (2015-Present)
Thompson Educational Publishing Webinar
- The New Ontario Sex-Ed Curriculum (What You Need to Know) (2015)
- Healthy Relationship Workshop (2015)
- Weaving the Sexual Web (2015)
Humber College: HSF Real Talks
- Sex in the Dark (2015)
- Sex & Relationships in College (2014)
Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair
- Sexual Empowerment For All (2014)
- Intimacy, Passion & Sex (2014)
- Vanilla is not a Four Letter Word (2014)
Monogamish: The New Rules of Marriage (2014)
- Sexual Identity Politics (2014)
Dare to Stand Out: Canada's First National LGBTQ Service Provider's Summit
- Accessibility Matters: How to include everyone in our community (2013)
City of Toronto – Adapted and Integrated Services
- Managing Sex and Relationship Issues for Special Needs Clients – Staff Training (2013 & 2012)
- Introduction to Sexuality for Special Needs Clients – Staff Training (2011 & 2010)
- Managing the Physical, Emotional & Practical Challenges of Sex After Cancer (2012)
Spoke Social Series for Women
- 3 Steps to Sexual Empowerment (2012)
Toronto District School Board – Professional Development in Health and Physical Education
- Sexual Education for Teachers – Senior Level (2012-Present)
- Write Your Way to Success (2016)
- Pre-service Teacher Training in Sexual Health Education (2012 – Present)
- Sexual Health Education – Teacher Employment Preparation Centre (2010 – Present)
- Human Development and Sexuality Training for Bachelor of Primary Education Studies Candidates (2011 & 2010)
University of Wisconsin Steven's Point
- Sex in the Dark: Sex Education for Adults (2011)
Alberta Positive Voices Conference
- Hotter and Safer: Quality of Life Approaches for Serodiscordant Couples (2011)
- Sexual Strategies for People Living with HIV/AIDS: overcoming challenges, celebrating diversity and addressing the stigma of HIV/AIDS (2009)
- Beyond the Box: The Sexual Web (2011)
- Sexual Labelling: The social, economic, personal and health consequences of sexual labels (2008)
- Media Portrayals: An analysis of queer representations in the media (2009 & 2006)
CAHR’s Canadian Conference On HIV/AIDS Research
- Teacher Training in HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Education (2010)
- Teacher Training in Sexual Health Education: Doctoral Research Findings (2010)
Central Opening Doors Conference
- Healthy Sex: Busting Myths, Embracing Health and Enjoying Sexual Pleasure (2010)
Open Prairie Conference for Clinical and Non-Clinical HIV Service Providers and PHAs
- Safer Sex for Serodiscordant Couples: Strategies for safety and pleasure (2009)
- Healthy Sexuality for People Living with HIV/AIDS: Managing stigma, overcoming practical challenges and promoting quality of life (2009)
Fort McMurray HIV/HCV Symposium
- Healthy Sexual Relationships: Cultivating healthy relationships in the context of safer sex, gender equality and HIV/AIDS (2009)
- Negotiating Safer Sex For Youth: Strategies for empowering youth to make healthy sexual decisions, develop behavioural skills to reduce the risk of HIV transmission (2009)
- Healthy Sex for People Living with HIV and STIs (2009)
Wood Buffalo HIV/AIDS Society – Staff and Community Training
- The Sex-Positive Perspective in Clinical Practice (2009)
Alberta Community Council On HIV
- HIV and Safer Sex: A Quality of Life Approach (2009)
Wood Buffalo Symposium on HIV
- Personal Sexual Enrichment for People Living with HIV/AIDS (2008)
- Childhood Sexual Development (2008)
