When Pierre-Carly LaFaille was hospitalized with ketoacidosis in 2021, doctors weren’t sure she would survive. Less than a month after leaving the hospital, she sat for her principal certification exam and achieved a perfect score in four of the six domains. That remarkable recovery and achievement would become the foundation for a company that has since helped more than 2,000 educators achieve their leadership certifications.
LaFaille’s journey to founding Pierre The Woman Inc. began during the pandemic when she secured $1 million in resources for her 236-campus Dallas school district to continue virtual education. Her efforts earned recognition as a finalist for USA Today’s Humankind Awards Educator of the Year in 2021 and a feature in Verizon’s article highlighting innovative learning coaches.
The turning point came after her hospitalization. While recovering, LaFaille began supporting aspiring principals through a Facebook group, offering free group calls and exam preparation to more than 700 educators. The overwhelming response revealed a critical gap in the market for comprehensive principal certification support.
Today, Pierre The Woman Inc. serves as a professional coaching company specializing in TExES exam preparation, Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) guidance, and 268 Principal Certification exam support. LaFaille, who holds an MBA, MPM, and multiple education certifications including T-TESS and AEL leadership credentials, leads a team that provides interactive group coaching, diagnostic score analysis, one-on-one mentorship, and content-based workshops.
The company’s approach extends beyond traditional test preparation. While many certification programs focus solely on academic content, Pierre The Woman Inc. incorporates motivational coaching, accountability systems, and real-world leadership insights. This comprehensive methodology helps educators not only pass their exams but also develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed as school leaders.
The impact of this approach is evident in the company’s growing community. Many educators who achieve certification through the program return as facilitators and mentors, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of leadership development. These former students now teach classes and guide new cohorts of aspiring principals, strengthening the education profession from within.
The demand for such services reflects broader challenges in education leadership development. As school districts nationwide face principal shortages and increasing complexity in educational administration, programs that combine rigorous academic preparation with practical leadership skills become increasingly vital.
LaFaille’s personal experience with adversity shapes the company’s philosophy. Having overcome both COVID-19 and a life-threatening diabetic crisis while pursuing her own certification, she understands the challenges educators face when balancing professional development with personal responsibilities. This perspective informs the supportive, community-driven approach that distinguishes the certification coaching programs from traditional preparation courses.
The company’s success rate speaks to the effectiveness of this model. With more than 2,000 educators certified through their programs, Pierre The Woman Inc. has established itself as a significant force in principal preparation. Participants consistently report transforming from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to becoming confident, prepared leaders ready to take on administrative roles.
As education systems continue to evolve and face new challenges, the need for well-prepared school leaders becomes increasingly critical. Through its blend of academic rigor, motivational support, and community building, Pierre The Woman Inc. addresses this need by creating not just certified principals, but confident leaders equipped to guide schools through complex educational landscapes.
