Season 2 Episode 4: Mentoring to Diversify Dietetics

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We need more mentors of color, we need more preceptors of color, we need more leaders of color. This is something we feel pretty strongly about and so does our guest for this weeks episdoe of Feed me the Facts. We talk with a dynamic mentor/preceptor/leader in the field, Jerlyn Jones aka @thelifestyledietitian. Her duty to give back to the next generation of nutrition experts will leave you motivated and ready to do more. You won’t want to miss this episode. Jerlyn talks with us about:

  • ⁠⁠What drew her to dietetics and her first experience as an informal peer mentor (she's a second career RD!) - 2:40

  • ⁠The structure her and her mentee set up that led to shared leadership and success - 21:30

  • The do's & don'ts of mentoring - 34:40⁠

  • & Her new role as an Academy Media Spokesperson- 40:50

⁠⁠If you're curious about what it takes to be a mentor or preceptor, take a listen to this weeks episodes and in the words of Jerlyn, "Go for it!". We’ve even included a link for you to register to be a Diversify Dietetics preceptor!

About Jerlyn 

Jerlyn (Jer-lan) Jones is a registered dietitian nutritionist, the food and nutrition expert, and owner of a nutrition consulting practice. Jerlyn has over 10 years of experience assisting clients with food sensitivities, diabetes, disease prevention, obesity and weight management, cardiovascular nutrition and mindful eating techniques. She teaches her clients that choosing whole nutritious foods combined with fitness and self-love is vital for health and wellness.

Jerlyn is excited to be a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and frequently speaks to professional and public audiences on how nutrition and food choices influence health. She has been featured in local and national print, TV, and radio media outlets.

Prior to launching her nutrition practice full-time, Jerlyn coordinated and taught nutrition and wellness programs at Good Samaritan Health Center, a faith-based non-profit health center. She also provided medical nutrition therapy to adult and pediatric patients. Previously, she was a clinical dietitian at New York Presbyterian Hospital, the number #1 ranked hospital in New York City by US News and World Report. She was consistently challenge to think “out of the box” to provide adequate and optimal nutrition for critical care patients.

Jerlyn is committed to guide and educate the next generation of dietetic professionals and pleased to be a preceptor and mentor. She’s a certified LEAP therapist and earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Arizona State University and a second master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers College. She completed her dietetic internship through Columbia University Teachers College.

Deanna Belleny