Dr. Pia Lawson-Pierre shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Pia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, nothing has brought me more joy than watching my sons grow (my oldest is 16 and my youngest is 7) and blossom into young men right before my eyes. This summer has been such a special time for us. It’s as if the days slowed down just enough for me to really see them in a new light. The way they carry themselves, the questions they ask, the confidence they’re building it’s all been such a beautiful evolution to witness.
We’ve had long walks, spontaneous ice cream runs, deep conversations under the stars, and more laughter than I could have asked for. They’re not just my children anymore they’re becoming my favorite people to talk to, to learn from, and to cheer on. Being present for their growth this summer has filled my heart in a way that no achievement or accolade ever could. It’s been a reminder that joy often lives in the small, everyday moments, shared glances, inside jokes, and the kind of quiet pride that sneaks up on you when you realize they’re becoming everything you’d hoped for and more.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutely! I’m Dr. Pia Pierre, a Family Educational Consultant and proud educator with over 20 years of experience in supporting students, families, and schools. I’m the founder of Dr. Pia Pierre, Family Educational Consultant a heart-led, solution-focused practice where I help parents feel confident navigating the education system while giving students the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and behaviorally.
With a Bachelor’s in Science in Social Science Education from Florida State University, a Master’s in Management and Administration of Educational Programs from Nova Southeastern University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova, I’ve dedicated my life to understanding the full scope of what makes a student successful and what families need to feel truly supported.
My work is rooted in partnership. I guide parents through school systems with clarity and compassion, support students with goal-setting, time management, and organization, and provide actionable strategies for motivation and positive behavior at home and in school. My mission is to make school success simple, stress-free, and empowering.
What makes this work so special to me is the transformation I get to witness every day when a student starts believing in themselves, or a parent feels empowered instead of overwhelmed. I believe learning should feel positive, not pressured, and I’m committed to creating practical, personalized support systems that help families thrive.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding access to this kind of support through one-on-one sessions, parent workshops, and student coaching programs that are all designed to meet families where they are. Education doesn’t come with a handbook, but I believe every parent deserves a trusted partner on the journey and that’s exactly what I strive to be.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments in my life was my very first trip to Europe specifically, Paris. As a lifelong student of history, stepping foot in a city so rich with culture, stories, and iconic landmarks was nothing short of magical. I had studied these places in textbooks, written essays about revolutions and royalty, and taught students about the Renaissance and Enlightenment but to see it all in person? It was truly transformative.
Standing beneath the arches of Notre-Dame, walking the halls of the Louvre, gazing up at the Eiffel Tower, and strolling the very streets where centuries of history unfolded, it all felt surreal. I remember being in absolute awe, not just of the monuments themselves, but of the presence of history all around me. The art, the architecture, the way the past and present coexist in every corner of the city. It reminded me that learning isn’t limited to the classroom. It’s living, breathing, and waiting to be discovered in the world around us.
That experience deeply shaped how I see the world and the work I do today. It reminded me that education is more than just information, it’s connection. It’s about engaging with the world, asking questions, and seeing ourselves as part of a much bigger story. That’s the lens I try to bring into my work with families and students: helping them see learning not as a task, but as a journey one filled with wonder, growth, and discovery.
Paris opened my eyes, and in many ways, opened my heart to the power of global perspective, cultural appreciation, and the magic of stepping outside your comfort zone. It’s a trip I’ll never forget and a moment that continues to inspire me to this day.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering while never easy has a way of slowing life down just enough to show you what truly matters. For me, the moments of struggle have taught me more about grace, resilience, and the quiet strength within than any moment of success ever could.
Success is wonderful; it brings joy, validation, and often a sense of arrival. But suffering? That’s where the roots grow deep. It’s in those harder seasons that I’ve learned how to ask for help, how to sit still in uncertainty, and how to find beauty in the smallest things a kind word, a deep breath, or simply making it through the day.
More than anything, suffering has taught me empathy. It’s given me a softer lens through which I see others. When I work with families now especially when they feel overwhelmed or discouraged can meet them there, without judgment. Because I know what it feels like to be unsure, to want the best but not know the way. And that understanding has made my work more personal, more purposeful.
So while I celebrate the wins, I hold deep gratitude for the challenges. They reminded me that it’s okay to bend without breaking, to begin again, and to keep going with heart, hope, and maybe even a little smile through the tears.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would tell you that what matters most to me is people, the relationships we nurture, the love we give, and the way we show up for each other through every season of life. At the core, it’s family, faith, friendship, and the kind of unwavering support that holds you together when life feels uncertain.
They’d say I’m deeply grounded in my relationship with God, and that it shapes how I love, how I lead, and how I serve. I believe we’re here to be a light for each other to lift, to listen, to give generously, and to always believe the best about the people we care about. That’s the energy I try to bring into every relationship, whether it’s with a lifelong friend or a family I’m working with for the first time.
Loyalty runs deep in me. I celebrate my people loudly, stand beside them quietly when they’re hurting, and I never stop cheering for their growth. I want the best for others genuinely. Not just in words, but in the way I show up and stay consistent, even when things get tough.
I think they’d say I have a heart that loves without conditions and gives without expecting anything in return. Because to me, life is richer when we build each other up and walk together in kindness, trust, and truth. That’s the legacy I hope to leave in my work, my friendships, and most of all, in the hearts of those I love.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real and time stretched out endlessly before me I would build something that outlived even that: a legacy of learning, love, and liberation for generations to come.
I imagine building a global network of learning sanctuaries spaces where children and families from every walk of life could come not just to master academics, but to belong, to be seen, and to be inspired. These would be places filled with light and laughter, where curiosity is celebrated, confidence is cultivated, and culture is honored.
I’d design programs that evolve with the world, that teach not only reading and math, but empathy, resilience, and purpose. I’d make sure every child knew their worth not because of grades or test scores, but because they are uniquely brilliant and deeply loved.
I’d also build bridges between communities, cultures, and countries so that learning could be a shared experience, not a privilege. And I’d use my endless time to mentor generations of parents, educators, and students, passing on everything I’ve learned about the power of connection, courage, and compassion.
Because at the end of the day, even with immortality, what matters most is how we use our time to lift others. And if I had forever, I’d spend it making sure no child ever feels unseen, no parent ever feels alone, and every family feels the joy of growing together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drpiapierre.org/
- Instagram: @drpiapierre
- Linkedin: Dr. Pia Pierre
- Facebook: Dr. Pia Pierre
