Jessica was born in Worcester, MA but grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. While in school, Jessica played basketball, was on Student Council and in the Dramatic Arts Club. She attended the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario, Canada with a double major in English and Theatre and a double minor in psychology and sociology. She started her career as an actor in the theatre (focusing on Shakespeare) playing such roles as Lady Macbeth and Juliet. She transitioned into television quickly with her first role on Queer As Folk. Jessica is represented by Actors Clearinghouse.