Coaches
- About Us
MEET OUR COACHES
At Paragon Strength & Conditioning, our coaches come from diverse backgrounds, but share
one mission:
Making A Difference In Your Life.
Nate Taylor, Coach & Owner
Nate has always been driven by a competitive spirit, but what he found over time was something deeper than performance.
Introduced to CrossFit in 2008, he was drawn to a more purposeful approach to training; one rooted in strength, resilience, and real-life performance. “I was drawn to something deeper than just how I looked. Over time, I realized that chasing strength, speed, and resilience wasn’t just making me a better athlete… it was making me better at life.”
That same year, Nate took a leap of faith and affiliated with CrossFit and built Paragon Strength & Conditioning with a clear vision:
to create a place where people could train with intention, be supported by great coaching, and genuinely enjoy the process.
In 2017, he competed at the CrossFit Games, a milestone that reflects his commitment to growth, discipline, and leading from the front.
Today, that vision lives on in every class. Known for his depth of knowledge and energy on the floor, Nate is committed to helping people grow—one workout, one step, one breakthrough at a time.
Stronger bodies. Clearer minds. Better lives.
- CrossFit Level II Certification
- Bergner Olympic Lifting
- CrossFit Gymnastics
- Carl Paoli Gymnastics
- International Sports Medicine Association
- EMT-B/ G-Paramedic TC
- 2nd Degree Black Belt KB Taekwondo
- USCF cat-2
Maryam Tabassian, Coach
Maryam discovered her passion for fitness later in life, seeking a way to restore energy and balance after the physical demands of her career in dentistry. What began as a personal solution quickly became something much more… “Within the first month at Paragon, everything shifted. I found not just a way to feel better physically, but a community that supported me, challenged me, and held me accountable in the best way.” Now retired from dentistry, Maryam has dedicated herself to helping others experience that same transformation. Her approach is rooted in care, connection, and consistency. For Maryam, fitness isn’t just training; it’s a privilege, a journey, and a way to give back.
- CrossFit Level II Certification
- Bergner Olympic Lifting
- CrossFit Gymnastics
- Carl Paoli Gymnastics
- OPEX Program Design
- OPEX Nutrition
- OPEX Life Coaching
- CPR Certification
Maryam Tabassian, Coach
Maryam found her passion for fitness in her late thirties. In search for a solution to address the fatigue from the physical demands of her profession as a general dentist, Maryam found Paragon Strength & Conditioning . Simply after one month, there was no turning back. “Paragon Strength & Conditioning truly changed my life. Having a caring, knowledgeable, and inspiring coach as well as a community to motivate me, and hold me accountable everyday was what got me hooked on Paragon Strength & Conditioning . Now this is my opportunity to give back and to make a positive lasting impact on other people’s lives. Fitness truly is a journey and a privilege for all to enjoy.”
- Paragon Strength & Conditioning Level II
- Paragon Strength & Conditioning Olympic Lifting
- Paragon Strength & Conditioning Gymnastics
- Carl Paoli Gymnastics
- OPEX Program Design
- OPEX Nutrition
- OPEX Life Coaching
- CPR Certified
Brian Merrell, Coach
A former collegiate athlete, Brian has been around fitness most of his life, but it wasn’t until he found CrossFit. “Training stopped feeling like something I had to do, and became something I actually enjoyed.” For Brian, fitness is about more than workouts. It’s about staying active, mobile, and energized, and enjoying the process along the way. The community, the consistency, and the daily connection are what keep him coming back. As a coach, Brian focuses on the fundamentals: helping people move well, train safely, and build confidence over time. And above all,keep it fun.
- CrossFit Level II Certification
Ashley Taylor, Coach
Ashley grew up around fitness; watching and learning firsthand from her dad how discipline, consistency, and great coaching can shape both performance and character. With a naturally competitive mindset, she quickly found her own path; developing not just as an athlete, but as a person. “Training has given me more than physical strength—it’s built confidence, resilience, and a sense of community I truly value.” That connection is what drives her as a coach. Ashley brings energy, encouragement, and a genuine passion for helping others grow, both inside and outside the gym. Her focus is simple: help people move better, feel stronger, and become the best version of themselves.
- CrossFit Level I Certification
David Briceno, Coach
David was introduced to training at a young age, growing up in competitive sports and developing a mindset built on discipline, focus, and consistency. That early foundation shaped not only how he trains—but how he coaches. After finding his community at Paragon in 2021, David stepped into a coaching role in 2025, a full-circle moment in a journey that has always centered around fitness and performance. His approach is rooted in mindset first. David is especially passionate about helping people realize they’re capable of more than they think, whether they’re chasing performance goals or simply looking to push past their limits. “Your mind will always take you further than you think your body can go.” Train with intention. Build confidence. Perform beyond expectations.
- CrossFit Level I Certification
