Jessan founded Jessan Dunn Otis-Independent Writer|Editor, in May, 1996. Prior to establishing JDO-IW|E, Jessan earned her graduate degree in writing (MFA) from Brown University (Providence, RI) and her undergraduate degree (BA) from the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI).
After graduation from Brown, Jessan’s work was published in NIMROD: International Literary Journal. Subsequently, her work appeared in The Newport Review; MIRROR, a publication of the University of Rhode Island; Rhode Island Women Speak: An Anthology of Authors and Artists, a publication of the Rhode Island chapter, National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA); and, other journals.
Jessan has presented readings of her work at Brown University (Providence, RI), the 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 (NMWA); and, additional venues.
A collaboration with George Houston Bass, Director, Rites & Reasons Theatre, Brown University, included responsibilities as the writer/coordinator for the play Malacoff Blue and a commissioned poem titled: "Meditations on the Contents of the Rabbit's Hold." There are, also, several other privately commissioned poems in Jessan's portfolio.
Jessan was the Script Supervisor for the film Frailejon, directed by Joshua Yeldham, that was 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; and, nominated for an OSCAR, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Concluding eight years as an Adjunct Professor at Bryant University (Smithfield, RI) and at the Community College of Rhode Island (Providence and Lincoln, RI campuses), Jessan founded JDO-IW|E.
In addition, Jessan 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, Freshman Foundation (Providence, RI); Carrabelle Public Library (Carrabelle, FL); and, The Writer's Workshop (Apache Junction, AZ).
Additional awards and honors include: Dean's List, Phi Beta Kapa, Phi Kappa Phi, Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry; Pawtucket Arts Council Annual Poetry Competition; California State Poetry Competition; Gwendolyn Brooks Prize for Poetry; the continuing love of family and Friends; and, the trust of valued alliances and clients.
Born in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, Jessan is the daughter of Mahlon and Helen Dunn. She is the mother of two sons, Alessandro and Cesare (RISD '04), from a previous marriage. Mostly raised and educated in the Northeast United States, Jessan and her husband, Al, and their Sheltie, Sassy (RIP|August 8, 2008), traveled extensively, returning to the Northeast after journeying the US in their motorhome, "Rain Dancer." Long live Gus, The Wonder Dog (whelped January 24, 2009) - a handsome, Blue Merle Shetland Sheepdog.
Jessan is an active member of social/business networking organizations, including:
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/jessandunnotis
eCademy - http://www.ecademy.com/user/jessandunnotis
Xing - http://www.xing.com/profile/JessanDunnOtis
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/jessandunnotis
Be free to connect with Jessan on any of the above networks; and, to let Jessan know if she can be of any help to you and your endeavors.