Michael Santos

I can’t say much because I personally haven’t read any books but my husband has. He’s been down for 2 years and had no idea what he was doing after being incarcerated. After reading just one book. He needed more… ! This is something I’m willing to do out here to show my support in this vision that is happening

Through this storm of learning how the federal justice system works, prison professsors has offered light, and insite, and direction to help myself and those that care to understand and prepare for my husbands journey and fight for freedom.

Meredith told me all about how Michael Santos is a big advocate for individuals in custody and I love that and how your books changes people’s lives!!

Hi Michael,

I want to sincerely thank you for your writings and work with prison professors and prison professors talent. Your work has given me hope and inspiration as I will be self-surrendering to a women’s federal prison camp in a few days (FCI Victorville). I will take all of your writings, lessons and advice with me as I begin to post on my own prison professor talent page as well as share with other women on the inside of federal prison. From the bottom of my heart I want to Thank you for all that you do ! Your work brings hope and the right frame of mind (focus on growth, rebuilding and the things that can be changed) to those who are justice-impacted. Thank you.

I have been studying your information intensely since April 15, 2024 when I found you and Justin Paperny with White Collar Advice. Your work has been a God send for me since I was first targeted February 7, 2022 feeling lonely, confused, traumatized, and misunderstood. I lost everything as a result of this, and now facing a sentence shortly on June 20, 2025.

However, your work helped me to become accountable for my own parts in the crime, find my authentic self, save myself, and to be radically honest with myself and others. Most importantly, your work gave me a beacon of hope, when everyone, it seemed, were seemingly against me. I can’t stress this enough, you are changing the System, slowly but surely. I admire your passion and endurance in how you’ve overcome 26 years in prison, and yet, every one of those days, you were dedicated, made them count, and refused to give up.

My hat goes off to you. Thank you for all that you do!

My name is Deric Conn, and I’m currently housed at New Castle Correctional Facility. I felt compelled to write this letter to express my deepest gratitude to Michael Santos and the team at Prison Professors for the remarkable impact they’ve made on my life. Your work is a beacon of hope, and I am endlessly thankful for the dedication and purpose behind all that you do for justice-impacted individuals like me.

A little over a month ago, I received the MasterMind courses provided by Prison Professors. From the moment I began, I knew I’d found something truly meaningful. I’ve been enrolled in the program since then, completing 32 hours of training so far. This has been one of the most inspiring and productive months of my life.

To provide some context, I was convicted in 2013, and for years, I struggled to find a path forward, unsure of where to focus my energy or how to turn my life around in such challenging circumstances. But with the guidance of Prison Professors, I’ve found the structure and motivation to dedicate myself to self-improvement and education. The lessons and insights presented in the course are opening up a new perspective for me, one rooted in growth, resilience, and a belief in my ability to build a better future.

What I appreciate most about the program is how it introduces me to real examples of individuals who’ve faced tremendous adversity yet found ways to rise above it. Learning about their journeys inspires me to push myself further every day. It shows me that change is not only possible but achievable through commitment, focus, and hard work.

The tools provided to me have become invaluable. Through the training materials, I’ve been able to expand my vocabulary significantly, which has also improved my writing. Writing is something I now genuinely enjoy, as it allows me to articulate my thoughts and aspirations with clarity and intention.

I’m also deeply touched by the sheer encouragement and unwavering belief embedded in every aspect of this program. It motivates me not just to complete the coursework but to actively seek further education beyond what’s offered to explore new horizons and possibilities.

This program has not only improved my mindset but has given me a new direction in life. While I don’t have internet access and can only communicate the old-school way through handwritten letters, my hunger for knowledge and growth has never been this strong. It’s my hope that one day, I might even be profiled on Prison Professors’ website—not as a gesture of recognition, but as a testament to the life-changing power of the work you do.

Michael Santos and the entire team, I want you to know that what you’re doing matters. You’ve given people like me a light in the darkness of incarceration, something to work toward and believe in. Your message is one of inspiration and courage, and I am endlessly thankful to be a part of this program.

I will continue to study and learn, driven by the newfound hope and purpose you’ve instilled in me. Thank you for being the support system so many of us have longed for. Your impact is immeasurable. Please don’t stop fighting the good fight—I know you’re changing lives every single day. May all your efforts continue to be blessed.

Sincerely,

Deric Conn

I am U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Charles R. Pyle, and I had the privilege of witnessing the incredible impact Michael Santos made at the Second Chance Tucson Community Forum on April 20, 2016. Michael’s presentation was nothing short of inspiring and became the keystone of a very successful event.

The forum was designed to support those navigating the difficult transition from prison back into society. Michael’s unique perspective, shaped by his extraordinary personal story, resonated deeply with attendees from various backgrounds. His message not only provided hope but also actionable strategies centered on personal responsibility, goal setting, and living transparently.

The response from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive. People have been energized and motivated to get involved with Second Chance Tucson, showing a renewed commitment to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in their rehabilitation journeys. What left the greatest impression on me was the thoughtfulness and extensive preparation Michael brought to his presentation. It was evident that his insights were shaped not just by his experience but by a profound commitment to creating change.

I am particularly hopeful that Michael will have the opportunity to work directly with Arizona’s correctional system and community organizations. His approach underscores the critical role corrections and the broader community play in rehabilitation and redemption. His ideas are highly relevant and practical for anyone, whether inside or outside the prison system, seeking to foster accountability and create a pathway to success.

Michael’s presentation presented a blueprint for transformation, rooted in discipline, education, and strategic thinking. It was an essential component of our event’s success. I look forward to collaborating with Michael again and continuing to spread his vital message.

Thank you, Michael, for your incredible contributions to this important work.

Testimonial by Michael Tausek, Deputy Warden

My name is Michael Tausek, and I’d like to share my experience with the Mastermind Program. As a Deputy Warden, I’ve facilitated numerous programs throughout my career, but Mastermind stands out in its ability to create true, measurable change.

I initiated the program in our Structured Living Unit (SLU), which houses individuals assessed as highly likely to reoffend in society. These are individuals with multiple serious disciplinary infractions and an average LSI-R score of 29. I began with a small group of five participants, and their response was nothing short of remarkable.

Every one of the five participants demonstrated strong engagement with the program. They showed up on time for every session, completed their homework with diligence, and participated in thoughtful self-reflection during group discussions. By the end of the program, three out of five had drafted detailed action plans for their release, complete with clear short- and long-term goals. One participant even mentioned that he wished he’d had the opportunity to take the Mastermind Program when he began his 11-year sentence. That kind of feedback underscores the lasting impact the program has.

What’s also worth noting is the ripple effect it created within the facility. Several of our security staff became curious about the program and remarked on the noticeable change in focus and behavior among the participating individuals. When I observe these changes firsthand—increased accountability, clearer direction, and meaningful goal-setting—I see the evidence of the program’s alignment with the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model in action.

This success has motivated me to expand the reach of the program. My plan is to introduce another cohort within the SLU, targeting individuals who are nearing their release dates. Additionally, I hope to add a second group in the general population. However, like many in corrections, I am limited by staffing shortages and available resources. For this reason, I continue to personally facilitate programming to ensure its full potential is realized.

I also want to emphasize that the Mastermind Program can serve as a powerful tool for prison management and rehabilitation. For those considering implementing it in their own facilities, I’m more than happy to share my experiences, including how I facilitate the group process in a way that maximizes engagement and results. I’ve even conducted a two-year review of our Structured Living Unit, which has provided some compelling data on program outcomes.

The bottom line is that programs like Mastermind don’t just help individuals behind bars; they help reshape prison culture and demonstrate the power of rehabilitation. I’m grateful to have witnessed what’s possible when we invest in the right tools, and I’m eager to continue this critical work. Feel free to reach out to me by phone or email if you’d like to hear more about my experiences or explore how you can bring the program to your facility.

I hope this message finds you in strength and peace. My name is Ramiro Gaxiola, and I’m truly honored to reach out to you. First and foremost, I want to thank you—Prison Professors has had a real impact, not just on me, but on so many others I was incarcerated with. Your work inspired hope, purpose, and the belief that transformation is possible even in the darkest places. Please keep going. You’re changing lives.

I was recently released after serving 15 months at the GEO detention center. While inside, I found my purpose through service. I taught myself criminal law using the detention center’s law library and dedicated myself to helping other incarcerated individuals understand and fight their cases. I filed motions, guided legal strategies, and, in several cases, helped people get dismissals or better outcomes. But even more than the legal work, I became a spiritual and emotional support for many. That experience lit a fire in me I can’t ignore.

I want to become a licensed attorney. I want to fight against what I call “legal injustice”—prosecutorial misconduct, coercion through fear, and the failure of the system to recognize truth and fairness. I overcame fear, and in doing so, I found clarity and mission.

I’m currently on probation (one year total, eligible for early termination after 80%), and I hold a high school diploma. I’m ready to pursue the path to law school in California, and I’d be deeply grateful for your guidance. Specifically:

Are there grants, programs, or scholarships for formerly incarcerated people pursuing a law degree in California?

Should I consider reaching out to law school deans to tell my story and seek mentorship?

My case was misprision of felony, and I requested a trial in March 2023 but never received one. I plan to file a habeas petition for violation of my right to a speedy trial—do you believe this could affect my path to bar admission, or could it strengthen my story?

If you were in my position—where would you begin?

Beyond that, I want you to know I would love to contribute to Prison Professors, especially by creating content or guidance for Spanish-speaking incarcerated individuals. There is a deep need, and I speak from experience. I’m not asking for pay—this would be from the heart, to pay forward what you’ve already given me.

If possible, I’d be incredibly grateful to connect with you directly via a short video call. I would appreciate the chance to hear your perspective and share more of my story.

Thank you again for all you’ve done and continue to do. Your journey is a reminder that redemption is powerful—and contagious.

With deep respect and gratitude,

My name is Greg Green, and I want to thank Michael Santos and the Straight-A Guide. This program has been a lifeline for me, providing a clear path toward personal transformation and hope for a better future, even as I serve a 26-year sentence for attempted murder. It’s a practical framework that empowers those of us who are ready to change, regardless of our past mistakes.

Growing up in Compton, California, my story was shaped by a culture of drugs, crime, and poverty. I was part of a dysfunctional family where violence and gang involvement felt inevitable. Joining the Crips as a young man seemed natural at the time—I turned to the streets in search of the love, respect, and support I lacked at home. Instead, I found manipulation and abuse. Peer pressure and flawed beliefs about manhood guided me into a cycle of crime, including robbery and assault. By my teenage years, I was bouncing in and out of juvenile detention centers, carrying the weight of my choices into adulthood.

Despite my circumstances, I always believed education could be a way out. The Straight-A Guide reinforced this belief and gave me a sense of direction. Michael’s program is different because it doesn’t judge you for your past. It doesn’t try to magically transform sinners into saints, but it offers tools to those who are truly ready to change. Through value-based, goal-oriented strategies, the Straight-A Guide equips people like me to face life’s tests, learn from them, and move forward with purpose.

The program has taught me that true education goes beyond academics; it’s about cultivating the mind, body, and soul. It has shown me how to set actionable goals, think critically about my choices, and make a meaningful impact. For example, I now see the importance of self-discipline and resilience. I study the principles daily, applying them to my life behind bars. They guide me to focus on what I can control, rather than what I cannot.

What sets the Straight-A Guide apart is its focus on those who are “on the fence”—individuals who haven’t fully embraced change but haven’t entirely rejected it either. These are the people I feel most called to help. I’ve seen firsthand how the system often strips prisoners of their hope, humanity, and belief in the possibility of redemption. This only perpetuates the cycle of despair. But with tools like the Straight-A Guide, I believe we can inspire change, even among those who feel it’s too late.

Michael, your program has not only helped me create a future worth pursuing but also inspired me to pay it forward. With the knowledge I’ve gained, I want to dedicate myself to helping others realize their potential and take ownership of their lives. How can I deepen my understanding of the program and become an even greater advocate for transformation within the prison system?

Thank you for the hope and structure you’ve given me. You have shown me that life isn’t about finding yourself; it’s about creating yourself. I’m living proof that change is always possible.