Jessica (she/her)

harm reduction & Project Development manager

Jess is the Project Development and Harm Reduction Manager at the QTHC. She directs Peer N Peer, Spectrum Drug Testing and Bloom Mental Health.

Her work is a mix of working with community members and stakeholders to create empowerment-based services and supports for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, such as harm reduction services, queer specific counselling, and community space to meet people wherever they are at on their journey, whether they are actively using or wanting a change.

“My personal passion is helping to uplift the voice of the trans community and other communities who are most marginalized in our society such as the 2 Spirit population and QTBIPOC  community. I care about equity in our community, and I actively strive to make people feel  welcomed inside our doors and within themselves.”

Jess grew up in a religious household and was forced to hide her identity. She also grew up around substance use and addictions, and used substances to numb negative emotions. This led her to a destructive cycle of substance use that she had to escape.

“I had to get out, and seven years ago I made the commitment to uproot my past lifestyle, get clean, and learn to help others that have experienced similar struggles.”

Jess completed a degree program in social work in a small local college, and also a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Alberta. While there, she worked with The Landing, a student space for gender and sexual diversity, creating and running groups for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. 

Jess also has experience volunteering with the Canadian Mental Health Association distress line. She then moved on to supporting people as an information and referral specialist at 211, and later a supervisor at the Canadian Mental Health Association for other people supporting those in distress. 

Jess spearheaded the seniors 2SLGBTQ+ initiative with the Pride Centre of Edmonton, a program that was the first of its kind. Prior to working in her role, she volunteered with the PNP program helping develop their programs and services. Much of her work comes from her desire to understand how to best support people. 

“I came from a place where I had no one, and I did not know what services and supports were available to me. My goal is to carve a space for community members who can benefit from the supports that I wish I had available when I was actively using and felt alone in the world.”

In her spare time, Jess enjoys playing music on her guitar and piano, and learning about different languages and cultures. She spent time studying abroad where she learned how to (more or less) speak Mandarin. At home, she enjoys taking her husky, Jack, on long hikes.

Some of the reasons you might contact Jess include questions about the Peer N Peer program, accessing supports and resources, or to engage with the PNP program as a community partner or stakeholder.

Jess can be reached by emailing connect@peernpeer.ca, or jess.murray@ourhealthyeg.ca for general inquiries. She can also be called or texted at 587-599-7290.