Prior to striking out on her own as a professional, independent writer|editor in May, 1996, Jessan's poems were published in Nimrod, International Journal of Fiction & Poetry (Tulsa, OK); MIRROR, University of Rhode Island; An Anniversary Collection 1984-1988, Pawtucket (RI) Arts Council; The Newport Review (Newport, RI) & others. A collaboration with George Houston Bass, Director, Rites & Reason Theater, Brown University, included responsibilities as writer/coordinator for the play Malacoff Blue & a commissioned poem, "Meditations on the Contents of the Rabbit's Hold."

Jessan has presented readings of her work at: Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI); Villa Serbelloni (Bellagio, Italy); Poetry Break (Providence, RI); Writer's Harvest, Bryant University (Smithfield, RI); RI chapter, National Museum of Women in the Arts & more.

She was the Script Supervisor for the film Frailejon, awarded: Best Feature Film, Heartland Film Festival (Indianapolis, IN); Best Australian Short Feature, Australian Film Critics Award; EMMY, Best Student Drama, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; &, nominated for an OSCAR, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

She has been a Visiting Artist/Guest Lecturer at: The Cambridge School (Weston, MA); Providence College, Department of Political Science (Providence, RI); Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI); Carrabelle Public Library (Carrabelle, FL); The Writer's Workshop (Apache Junction, AZ) & more.

Born in Glen Cove, LI, New York, Jessan is the daughter of Mahlon & Helen Dunn. She is the mother of two beloved sons, Alessandro & Cesare, from a previous marriage. Raised & educated in the Northeast (US); Jessan has traveled extensively in the US & abroad, returning to Rhode Island from a two-year journey around the US with her husband, Al, & their Shelty, Sassy (RIP 8.5.08), in their motorhome, "Rain Dancer." Long live Gus-The Wonder Dog-whelped January 24, 2009.

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