Our Team

Claudia Escamilla, King’s Swim Academy – General Manager

What is the best part about working for Kings Swim Academy every day?
I absolutely love working with kids. They are fun, lovely, genuine and happy. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to teach a life-saving skill. I enjoy seeing how our students learn and progress; it is truly rewarding!

What do you believe makes you a great manager?
I treat others with respect and listen to their needs. If you show care and have open communication you will become approachable and that will open the door for you to connect and help others.

Share a childhood memory about your experience with swim lessons?
When I was 6 years old I was so scared to swim. My sisters and I were enrolled in swimming lessons for years and my oldest sister had to swim next to me all the time in order for me to stop crying and swim. The strange part was that all my sisters ended up practicing other sports and I continued taking swimming classes and doing competitions until I was 14 years old.

What favorite memory do you have from working at a swim school?
The hugs some of my students gave me after I finished the class.

Share a childhood memory when you were brave and overcame fear.
All my childhood I was completely scared of any kind of animal; especially dogs and cats. One day one dog followed me and I fell and hit my head on the ground and was unable to talk for a couple hours. This fear remained for all my childhood until I started to be brave and touch a cat and fall in love with her. After that I was more open to being next to dogs but unfortunately I still can’t get myself to do anything other than admire them from a distance.

Devon Hanna, Operations Manager of San Mateo

Where are you originally from?

I was born in San Francisco, and raised in San Mateo. After going to Hayward for school, I lived in the East Bay for 10 years. Now I have been back on the Peninsula for a few years!

Why do you like working with kids?

I love the moment when children have a breakthrough, and you can see the pride in their faces about their newfound independence! Sharing the joy of swimming with people makes me incredibly happy.

What do you enjoy doing outside of working at Emler?

Outside of King’s Swim Academy, I love spending time shooting hoops, walking on the coast, or grabbing some food and spending time flipping through vinyl at a record shop.

Sergio Solis, Operations Manager of San Mateo

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally born and raised in Redwood City.

Why do you like working with kids?

I like working with kids because it allows me to be my silly 5 year old self on a daily basis.

What do you enjoy doing outside of working at Emler?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my daughter, playing tennis, taking trips to the beach, exploring new hikes, cycling, and cooking!

Julia Shah, Operations Manager of San Carlos

Where are you originally from?

I am from Texas! Born and raised. I grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.I moved to California in 2021.

Why do you like working with kids?

Kids are honest and hilarious! I love being part of their growth and celebrating their achievements. It is important to me to have a positive impact on society, and I love that I get to do that by also teaching a life saving skill.

What do you enjoy doing outside of working at Emler?

Exploring the many Bay Area hiking trails has quickly become one of my favorite weekend activities. I also make time for yoga, rock climbing, and of course, obsessing over my dog!