Degrees: PhD (University of Calgary) , MSW (Univeristy of Calgary) , BSW (University of Calgary)
Interests: Distance education, technology in human services, human sexuality, diversity issues, women’s issues.
Dr. Jessica Ayala completed her PhD in 2007 at the Faculty of Social Work, where her studies focused in the area of distance education and e-learning. Her research and teaching interests include distance education and e-learning in social work, human sexuality and diversity issues, and research foundations.
While completing her dissertation, Ayala also worked with the Calgary Health Region as e-learning specialist with Healthy Minds/Healthy Children, an online continuing professional development program in children’s mental health. She has also been a sessional instructor for the past six years, and has worked with the Centre for Social Work Research and Development on various research projects. She won the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award in 2004 and the Students' Union Teaching Excellence Award in 2008.
Prior to completing her doctoral degree, Ayala worked at the Women’s Centre of Calgary for 10 years as program and volunteer coordinator. She also has experience working with new immigrants in areas such as family conflict. Ayala is originally from El Salvador and is fluent in Spanish, her native tongue.
Ayala currently sits on the boards of Distress Centre Calgary, the Women’s Centre of Calgary, and Calgary Outlink: Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity.
