Meet Laney: Small Bites' Newest Team Member!
We recently hired Laney Jones, MS, RD, LD as our Program Coordinator! We are so happy she joined the team, and know you are going to love her too. Hint: She’s a Georgia Bulldog who loves to cook and teach! Read on for more!
Hey Laney! We’re so pumped that you work at Small Bites Adventure Club! Why did you choose to work here?
Laney: Throughout my education, I knew that I was ultimately learning how to teach others. Small Bites Adventure Club is doing just that: teaching teachers! There is so much power in the classroom to create positive change and help children all over Georgia and the country love fruits and vegetables. How could I not want to be part of that?
What do you enjoy the most about working at Small Bites Adventure Club?
What I love the most about working at Small Bites is truly the people! I get to work directly with the partners, educators, and even the students who make our program so successful. Through my role as Program Coordinator, I get to have my hands in every part of the process. I am there for any technical support needed, and I am behind the scenes for any deliveries. If you have gotten an email from Small Bites recently, chances are it was from me!
So… what’s your background?
I am from just outside of Atlanta, and I graduated with my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Dietetics from the University of Georgia in 2022. I then completed my Dietetic Internship through Morrison Healthcare in Atlanta. After all of my education, I finally received my Registered Dietitian credential in January 2023! Throughout my journey, my focus has been on early nutrition intervention (pregnancy, infancy, childhood) and creating positive food environments for all! I am excited to continue to learn and grow at Small Bites Adventure Club.
You’ve got a lot of initials behind your name. What do they stand for?
I received my Master’s degree, which is reflected by the letters “MS.” The RD is for “Registered Dietitian” which means that I completed the education and exam to be able to work as a dietitian in the US. The LD stands for “Licensed Dietitian,” which means I have a valid license to work as a dietitian in Georgia! All of the letters basically help indicate that I have the education and experience to provide nutrition-related guidance and support!
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about nutrition education and that cooking is for everyone to enjoy! My passion comes from working in childcare throughout my life and recognizing the importance of exposing children to positive food environments and allowing them to build confidence in the kitchen. Building adventurous eaters starts by empowering children with knowledge and experiences!
3 fun facts?
I have two dogs named Mazie and Maya with my partner Will - they are the best!
I am a 200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor and have been powerlifting for 10 years now!
I was born in Roswell, Georgia, but grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts!
What's your favorite food memory?
My favorite food memory is the first time my mom had me help make Thanksgiving dinner. Working in the kitchen with her during the day and seeing my family so happy and full by the end of the meal brought me so much pride. At first, I would just help peel the potatoes and knead the bread dough, but now my mom and I work together on all the dishes. A few of our traditions are even recipes I have created over the years!
You created your own recipes? Can you share one?
Of course! The recipe in the photo above is “Iron Snack Bites”! They are super easy to make and contain high-iron ingredients (iron is important for growth, development, and delivering oxygen to the body!)
What’s your favorite Small Bites recipe?
My favorite SBAC recipe so far has been the Super Power Kale Pesto recipe. It is so easy, fun to make, and so versatile! It is perfect on crackers, but it can also be used as a dip for other veggies, on pasta, or even in a sandwich!