Grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she had early experiences with the indigenous storytelling traditions of the region (Judicial Questionnaire)
Attended the University of Toronto (1983--1986), earning a B.Sc. with distinction with concentrations in neuropsychology and criminology (as Jessica Growe) (Judicial Questionnaire)
Served as Women's Athletic Director of the University College Literary and Athletic Society (1982--1983), and sat on the Honour Awards Committee of the University College Council Board (Judicial Questionnaire)
Attended Osgoode Hall Law School at York University (1986--1989), earning her LL.B. (now J.D.) (Judicial Questionnaire)
Won the County of York Law Association Centennial Prize (1989) for research on experimental drug access rights, and the Helen Kinnear Prize in criminal procedure (1989) (Judicial Questionnaire)
Founding member of the Canadian Jewish Law Students' Association (1988--1989); organized its inaugural conference in spring 1989 (Judicial Questionnaire)
Volunteered with the Community Legal Aid Service (CLAS) during law school (Judicial Questionnaire)