Our Instructors

All of our Instructors “organically” found their way to Black Dog Fitness.   All of us 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.

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.”

Jimmy Dabney

MS – Sports Psychology, CPT, CSCS, Rock Steady Boxing Coach

I am a former D1 NCAA All-American swimmer at the University of Tennessee and competed on the USA National level. I graduated with a M.S. in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior. As a professional swim coach for over 10 years, I spent time coaching at the USA Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and was included on the USA Swimming National Team Coaches List.

As a fitness professional, I have a passion for helping people become strong, confident, and happy in their daily lives. After becoming NASM and CSCS certified for personal training, I have been able to sharpen the skills within my craft. In addition to private 1-1 training, I have worked as a strength coach for high school as well as professional athletes on both the USA National Team and the USA Olympic Team.

I am a family man with a beautiful wife and daughter living in Knoxville, TN. I enjoy walking our two dogs, working out, hiking, surfing, swimming, biking, running, and throwing the frisbee. 

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.