JAMES TAULBEE

Owner | Head Coach

For over a year, James followed the guidance of a team of medical professionals, with little to no relief from his pain. Medications, four epidural shots to the spine, MRI’s, X-rays, physical therapy…nothing helped. The culmination of this was a very matter-of-fact prognosis from his Doctor, “you need back surgery and you will never lift heavy or play sports again.” It was on that same day that an orthopedic surgeon in the same office strongly advised him against having the surgery…and invited him to come to his CrossFit. Six years have passed since that day in the hospital, James has not had the surgery, is completely pain free as well as stronger, faster and more fit than he was as a nineteen year old infantry Marine.

James lives and breathes physical fitness and total body wellness. He is passionate about helping others strive toward their goals, even if they’ve been told it is an impossibility.

“Be brave--you owe it to yourself!”

TRACEY PERDUE

General Manager  | Coach

Tracey has been involved in CrossFit and strength and conditioning training for over 9 years. She is CF-L1 certified and working towards her CSCS. She was born and raised in Georgia making her a Southerner at heart. She relocated up north in 2017 and made Philly her new home.

Her fitness journey started as a young child, who was always involved in various sports. She was on the varsity cross country, track, swim, and soccer teams. During high school she was the captain of her soccer team for 2 years, and still loves team sports. To stay active during college, Tracey began competing in distance races and triathlons until a close friend invited her to a CrossFit workout. After the first class, she realized her passion for the sport, and began her fitness career.

Tracey enjoys working with clients one-on-one to see big results fast. You can often find her sweating and dancing along with everyone else in classes.

Keisha Davis

Coach

Keisha is a fun and easy going coaching intern. You will most likely catch her smiling, dancing, singing or saying "turn up" at least 20 times a day.

Throughout grade school, she was involved in many different sports and having an older brother, she remained active. She loves seeing the effects of exercise on the body, mind, and soul.. She previously studied American Sign Language and would like to incorporate that skill into her career in fitness.

Currently, she is working towards her B.S. in Healthy Lifestyle Coaching, and is studying CrossFit methodology to combine several modes of movement into her classes. She believes in educating others of the positive impact that a healthy lifestyle can have for you holistically. 

Adam Trapanotto

Coach

Adam graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science. Previously, he served in the Navy for several years before pursing his passion for fitness. He's an avid learner, and applies many different techniques in his coaching. He spent time training Temple ROTC, and enjoys challenging himself with rock climbing and rucking. He is upbeat and energetic, and will push you through tough workouts with a smile. 

Daniela Guzman Fernandez

Admin Assistant | Coach

Coming to the United States from Colombia in February 2018 made a huge impact on my physical and mental health. So after five months of being here enjoying the fast food life, huge portions in most restaurants and moving just the necessary to get through the day, I noticed that not only I had gained weight but I was having trouble enjoying things, and felt sad for no apparent reason.

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I used to hate going to the gym and the feeling of been judge especially in a foreign country. It took some self-motivation but I made the decision to stop the excuses and do something about it. That's why in July I started working out here 3 times a week and I started to see results, after two months I was all in coming every day and after 5 months I was offer a position.

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I love for people to feel welcome and comfortable so they can achieve their goals, if you need someone who understands the awkward feeling of being out of the comfort zone or just want to hear a funny latino accent, don't hesitate to talk to me

Leah Shelley

Coach

Growing up in Wichita, KS, Leah was active on her school dance squad but would tend to choose art activities over sports. As she got older, she became more interested in fitness, taking kickboxing, pilates, and yoga classes here and there. However, nothing ever stuck. It wasn’t until giving birth to her daughter Reagan in 2011, that she decided to join her husband at a CrossFit gym. 7 1/2 years later, CrossFit has become one of her favorite hobbies and helped her discover her love of fitness.

Leah continues to grow in her fitness experience and education. She is an educator inside and outside of the gym and uses great patience and understanding when she approaches every member. 

Carrie Gillespie

Coach

Carrie developed a passion for physical activity and sports at a very young age. She grew up playing every sport under the sun--- soccer, softball, lacrosse and field hockey, and eventually chose to pursue a competitive swimming career. This led her to the University of Scranton, where she earned her degree in Exercise Science and Sport, while also dominating the pool. Carrie swam for the Scranton Royals, helping them win two conference championships, and also individually qualifying for the NCAA Division III championship meet. After her career at Scranton, Carrie set her sights on East Stroudsburg University, where she earned her Master's in Exercise Science. Post graduate school, Carrie moved back home to Maryland and worked as a personal trainer and swim coach for her former local club swim team before ultimately deciding to enlist in the Coast Guard.  She felt the calling to do more with what she was given physically and wanted to give back to her community and country while she still could. In the Coast Guard, Carrie was stationed in Bayonne, NJ working the Aids to Navigation in the NYC Harbor (no better way to see the city than on the water) and then worked in Nashville, TN (yes! the Coast Guard has a station in TN) as a Marine Science Technician inspecting facilities and responding to pollution incidence in the surrounding area. Nashville was where Carrie was introduced to the CrossFit style workout and absolutely fell in love with it. Carrie is now living in Philly, attending Temple University to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and loving life with a special thanks to the community here at FFE and her helpful pup companion, Mr. Bentley Beans. She is passionate about sharing her love of fitness with anyone she comes across and wants to keep everyone safe while she helps them make big progress in the workouts.  

Jim McBride

Coach

Native Philadelphian and Pizza snob. Jim was always waiting until he “got in better shape” to join a fitness community.  He was afraid he couldn’t keep up or wouldn’t fit in.  His then pregnant wife, Leah told him that everyone has to start somewhere, and that you go to the gym to start getting in shape--not after you are in shape. After her sound advice, he joined a CrossFit Gym. 

Over the last 8 years of learning from coaches, as well as trial and error, he picked up a wealth of knowledge. Jim figured out how to and how NOT to do movements. He spent time learning why certain methodologies work, and how to use proper form to keep you healthy and strong for many years to come.  Jim looks forward to sharing that knowledge to help people reach their fitness goals.

Jordan Olenginski

Coach

Jordan is a senior Biology major at St. Joseph's University with the plans to attend medical school in the fall of 2021. She has been doing CrossFit and strength training for over seven years. Athletics has played a big role in her life as she is currently the captain of the field hockey team at St. Joseph's.

Jordan is intrigued by how quality fitness and clean nutrition directly correlates to performance on the field. It is her passion to help others create lifestyle changes and be there for them every step of the way. For delicious, and healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and hardcore workouts, check out her Instagram page @justasprinkleofjordan.