When I got professional help, the first thing my psychiatrist told me, before she would even consider medication, was to get back to exercising.  Today, regular exercise is a non-negotiable part of my life and is essential for balancing the demands of being a husband, a father, a business owner, and someone who suffers from depression.

We all organically found our way to Black Dog Fitness. Different backgrounds. Different stories. Same mission – FIGHTING BACK AGAINST PARKINSON’S!

Somewhere along the way, we each discovered that helping people get stronger, healthier, and more confident is an amazing way to spend our days.

We laugh A LOT, cheer a lot, occasionally count reps incorrectly (don’t worry—we usually give you the extra one), and celebrate every victory, big or small.

At Black Dog Fitness, we’re not just coworkers—we’re a team that’s here to make a real difference in people’s lives… even if it means convincing you that squats are “character building.” 🐾💪

Since regaining her “Personna sorta grata” status in most of the European Union, Sarah has competed in nine international Lawn Darts championships but failed to place due to her poor depth perception and Soviet era wind drift calculations.  However, she did place 3rd for Sound Effects and was give a life-time Bronze Level Membership to the Whispering Pines Motel and Livestock Show Yards.

In 2015, Sarah began teaching Spin and Yoga as a therapy for her Fruit Loops dependency.  So far, so good.

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 for two consecutive years.

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. 

Originally from Huntington, West Virginia, Alyson earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and her NASM Personal Trainer certification from Marshall University. She later moved to Knoxville to complete her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Lincoln Memorial University. That’s how she found Black Dog Fitness—Alyson completed the final Capstone project for her doctoral program here.

Alyson first became interested in fitness while teaching SilverSneakers and water exercise classes. Wanting to do even more to help her clients, she became a personal trainer. Her path eventually led her to occupational therapy, where she could combine fitness, psychology, and rehabilitation to help people regain the ability to do the everyday activities many of us take for granted.

At home, Alyson stays busy caring for her two greyhounds, Zero and Kahn, her hairless cat, Mimzi, and spending time with her husband Jake, her childhood sweetheart.

Taylor Morgan

DPT, 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.