Swimming Lessons | Fort Worth TX

Emler Fort Worth serves the communities of Fort Worth, Arlington, Benbrook, Aledo, Burleson, White Settlement and Weatherford. We’re located in Ajax Plaza, west of Bryant Irvin on the service road of Highway 183. We joined the community in 2015.

We’d love to find out more about how we can best serve you. Come by and take a free tour or go ahead and jump right in.

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Julia Shah

Julia Shah’s passion for water began at an early age. Even as a child she always wanted to serve and help others (and be a mermaid). She knew from her early swimming lessons and swim team experience that water would always be part of her life. Julia began her time with Emler in 2007 teaching swimming lessons while pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. During this time, Julia’s drive for helping others feel confident and building community grew. She briefly left the sunshine and warmth of Texas in 2011 to complete her Masters of Science in Creative Arts Therapy from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. While in snowy New York, Julia’s heartstrings were tugged by the smell of chlorine and fond experiences of serving children and families at Emler. She returned to Texas in 2013 to pursue a counseling career, but ultimately wanted to dive back into teaching swimming lessons! Julia rejoined Emler, and in 2015 became the Aquatic Director of the Fort Worth facility. In January 2017, Julia was promoted to the Flower Mound location as Site Director.

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Q+A with Julia

What is the best part about working for Emler every day?

Visiting with my staff and families at the pool! I love having fun with everyone, and being everyone’s cheerleader! Each day is a new opportunity to build fellowship with my staff, celebrate with families, and make someone’s day.

What do you believe makes you a great site director?

I LOVE to have fun! I love finding new ways to make work creative and to be a fun, family atmosphere. I think my team would say they appreciate my enthusiasm and creativity to make work fun.

Share a childhood memory about your experience with swim lessons.

I remember learning how to float on my tummy. It was such a triumph! I had been too nervous to stay still, and doubted myself. I had a sweet teacher, who pretended she and I were Barbie dolls and Princess Ariel, which made me feel confident and at ease!

What favorite memory do you have from working at Emler?

Am I limited to one?? Wow — overall, I love the moments when kids are being kids, but my favorite opportunities are when I see them discover their own courageous abilities. They grow a special smile, that just radiates, “I can SWIM! I can do that!” What a contagiously joyful moment!

Share a childhood memory when you were brave and overcame fear.

I was terrified of the deep end, even though I could swim. The deep end at my local pool was very deep, and dark. I was certain there were sharks in there. After many attempts, and patience from my family and swim teachers, I was able to be be bribed into swimming across the deep end in exchange for ice cream and a toy. I was very prize- and treat-motivated!