About Us
Passion for Prison began with a vision to reach out to those who society often forgets...
- Jessica – PfP Founder & Director
- Scotty – PfP Co-Leader
Jessica is the Founder and heart of Passion for Prison. If you see a motorcycle roaring down a prison hallway, chances are it’s her 800cc Suzuki Intruder — a bold tradition that instantly breaks down walls and sparks joy among inmates. Jessica not only runs the inner workings of PfP but also ministers weekly inside Hernando and Hillsborough Correctional Institutions. She likes to say her calling was “a God thing, kind of like an unplanned pregnancy” — unexpected, but undeniably a gift. After volunteering with Bill Glass Champions for Life in 2002, she stepped out in faith and launched Passion for Prison in 2003 when their program ended.
Her favorite part of ministry? Bumping into former inmates in the free world who are living transformed lives in Christ — often when she least expects it. Her least favorite? The endless waits during prison security clearance. Jessica laughs about it, but her perseverance shows her passion runs deep. She often jokes about shunning responsibility (no pets for her — “marrying Scotty was pushing it!”), but in truth she carries the weight of more than 3,500 spiritual sons and daughters behind bars.
Jessica came to know Jesus in February 1991 in the quiet of her bedroom, proving it’s about relationship, not membership. Today she partners with ministries like Inmate Encounter, Al Paquette Ministries, Prison Fellowship, and many others, impacting thousands. Whether snorkeling with bull sharks (yes, she survived thanks to a quick-thinking friend who punched the shark on the nose!) or riding motorcycles through prison corridors during a lightning storm, Jessica’s life is full of stories that reflect courage, humor, and faith.
A Life Full
- Born: 1966 in Titusville, PA; raised in Shady Hill, FL
- Family: Married to Scotty since 2004; spiritual mom to over 3,500 inmates
- Career shift: Left an 11-year electronics career to enter full-time ministry — “crawling down the corporate ladder” as she says
- Close call: Bull shark encounter while snorkeling — lived to tell with humor and gratitude
- Favorite ministry memory: Riding motorcycles through prison hallways after a lightning strike locked the gates
Favorites
- Scripture: Romans 5:8 — “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Food: Potatoes, pasta, and overcooked canned peas with butter and salt
- Drink: Coca-Cola, no ice
- Word: Encouragement — because it changes lives
- Rainy day: Sleep
- Hobby: Talking (and watching movies with a Gospel message — just not while the movie is playing!)
- Mentors: Jack “Murph the Surf” Murphy, Corrie ten Boom, Pastor Ken Whitten, Charles Stanley
Scotty Santiago is the Co-Leader of Passion for Prison, and if Jessica is the fire, Scotty is the steady anchor. Raised in Brentwood, NY, Scotty found Christ in December 2000 after being invited to a Wednesday night church service. That night changed everything. From former racer to prison minister, his journey shows the power of transformation.
Scotty’s joy is being present with the incarcerated — listening, encouraging, and showing Christ’s love in practical ways. His least favorite part? The paperwork and business side of ministry. He’d much rather be shaking hands, praying, and sharing a smile with the men and women behind bars. His favorite memory is ministering to Tommy, the first inmate he shared Christ with, who has since been released and remains in touch — a living testimony to God’s faithfulness.
A Life Full
- Born and Raised: Brentwood, NY
- Family: Loving parents, one brother, one sister
- Career path: Former racer, now devoted to motorcycles and ministry
- Close calls: Too many while racing to count
- Favorite ministry memory: Witnessing to Tommy — the first inmate he ever led to Christ
Favorites
- Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 — “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
- Food: Anything edible (as he likes to joke)
- Drink: Iced tea
- Word: “LET’S EAT!”
- Rainy day: Sleep
- Hobby: Riding motorcycles through the countryside
- Mentors: Al Paquette, Dr. Tony Evans, Dr. David Jeremiah
- Favorite place in USA: North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains
Scotty describes himself humbly: “Just a man trying to be obedient to God and share the love of Christ with others.” His humor, warmth, and devotion make him a perfect balance to Jessica’s bold passion, and together they make a team that God continues to use to shine light behind prison walls.