Our Instructors

All of our Instructors and Trainers “organically” found their way to Black Dog Fitness.   We all have come to Black Dog Fitness to make a difference with a creative and positive environment that encourages functional health and community for people who are otherwise left out of fitness.

Coleen Martinez

Personal Trainer, Rock Steady Boxing Coach and Walking Club Leader

Coleen is one of our new trainers. She was born and raised in Almost Heaven, West Virginia and has lived in Florida, Utah, Texas, and now Knoxville for the past 12 years. Coleen has degrees in Dance, Exercise Science, Health Education & Behavior (Adapted Physical Activity), and Therapeutic Recreation. Coleen is a Certified Exercise Physiologist, Recreation Therapist, running coach, and in-training for Dance for PD™ instructor. Coleen teaches NeuroMoves and Chatty Sparkly Walking. Coleen is also available for Personal and Small Group Training.

In her free time, Coleen enjoys running, swimming, cycling, meditation, yoga, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family (most of the time, her family does those activities with her)! 

Perle Sorah

Rock Steady Boxing Coach

Perle has worked his way all the way through the Rock Steady Program.  He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in May 2013, after exhibiting symptoms for many years.  He retired from his job after 45 years as a Radiologist Technologist on Friday and started boxing the following Monday.

After about eight months as a fighter, Perle began volunteering in the stage three and four fighters.  Interested in still doing more, got Certified as a Rock Steady Boxing Coach in January 2018 and has been Zach’s “co-coach” since.

Perle is certified as an instructor for Nordic Walking from the American Nordic Walking Association and  Nordixx Pole Walking of Canada. He teaches group classes and individuals with and without Parkinson’ Disease.
In his “spare time”, Perle and his wife camp, kayak and hike.   Perle is an exceptional woodworker and has built everything from small wooden bowls to major pieces of furniture.
His philosophy for life is, “Keep moving or you just might die.”

Alicia Mau

Personal Training and PWR!

Alicia recently joined the Black Dog Fitness team.  After nine years working as an occupational therapist, she wanted to turn towards disease prevention and maintenance, and healthy aging. Black Dog Fitness was like the perfect fit!

She tailors workouts to each individual client, but has particular interest in balance, grip strength, fall prevention, and pain management.  In her free time, she likes to hike and swing dance as often as possible.

Alex Fellers

Personal Training, Rock Steady Boxing Assistant Coach

Alex and her husband Ryan just moved to Maryville from West Texas. Alex got certified as a Personal Trainer to help people lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. Her passion for wholesome and healthful living was solidified when she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, at only 18 years old.  She was staring down a lifetime of daily medication cocktails – all of which only served to mask symptoms or counteract side effects. But, in a miraculous turn of events, her family physician introduced her to The Plant Paradox by Dr. Steven Gundry and a completely different approach to disease management and treatment. Years later, she is still medication and symptom free.  When she isn’t at the gym, Alex enjoys hiking, paddle-boarding, and mystery novels.

Taylor Morgan

Physical Therapist

Taylor is our in-house Physical Therapist specializing in Parkinson’s disease.  She came to us after several years in the “mass production” physical therapy world.  She works with MovementX Physical Therapy to see patients at Black Dog Fitness.  

Taylor’s whole-body and whole-mind approach to physical therapy fits in perfectly with what we do. She is a dedicated and compassionate physical therapist with a profound passion for treating patients with Parkinson’s disease.  Taylor is an exceptional Physical Therapist.  Many of our staff and their families see her for treatment.  Click here to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.

Taylor has become a valuable part of the BDF team.  We can stop in for a quick “what-do-you-think” or set up a full cooperative plan between Taylor and your trainer.  This helps us target troublesome areas and work on them from a training and therapy perspective.  We have had great results from this kind of team work.  Together, we work with the whole team (patient included) to set achievable goals so patients can take control of their health and well-being.  Patients heal faster and stronger.

In her free time, she loves hiking trails, caring for her cherished houseplants, spending quality time with friends and family, and embarking on adventures with her sweet pup, Ellie.