Rocío del Pilar Páez is a Colombian psychologist whose sensitivity and dedication to social service light her path every day. Arriving in Montreal in August 2019 with her four-year-old daughter Sammy, she faced the challenges of starting a new life in an unfamiliar country — without a support network, and soon confronted by the emotional and economic toll of the pandemic.
During her most difficult moments, a turning point came when Betty, a worker at Casa C.A.F.I., encouraged her to complete her Social and Community Psychology studies at UNAD, Colombia. From there, Rocío deepened her knowledge with studies in Positive Psychology, Art Therapy, and Psychoastrology.
In June 2023, she formalized Pilar del Ser, a brand dedicated to emotional connection and personal growth through art as a healing tool. Her approach is holistic, viewing each person as body, emotion, society, and spirit — and her work has already touched hundreds of Latino families.
In 2025, Rocío will launch her highly anticipated book “Art and Emotion: A Healing Journey,” while working on two additional books about child migration and sex therapy. She also leads La Boussole Inclusive, a community radio program on Centre Ville, and continues expanding her emotional capsules — short reflections aimed at promoting self-awareness and healing.
Her message to migrant women is one of celebration and gratitude: every step is a testimony of courage, transformation, and hope.