Marisally Santiago, Director

Marisally Santiago has served as Director of the Office for Ministry with Youth for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 2020. She is passionate about forming and supporting ministry leaders, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for young people to recognize their gifts and embrace their role in the Church’s mission today.

Marisally’s ministry journey began at age 13 when her mother started Ministry with Youth at their parish in Kissimmee, Florida. Before her role in Philadelphia, she served in parish youth ministry with her husband, Edgar, and as Associate Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Archdiocese of Newark, where she led Young Adult Outreach and Pastoral Juvenil Hispana. In 2018, she earned a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry with a concentration in Spiritual Direction from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University.

Before entering full-time ministry, Marisally worked as a graphic and production designer and project manager for over 20 years. Her creative background shapes her approach to ministry, combining attentive listening, consultation, and strategic thinking with innovative problem-solving. Her commitment to Ministry with Youth also extends nationally through her work with La Red, and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), where she helped establish the National Youth Advisory Council.

Outside of ministry, Marisally finds joy in travel, adventures, and “doing nothing” with her husband of 23 years, Edgar. She also enjoys flavorful food, spiritual reading, and music with lots of percussion. And as an island girl from Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, she makes sure she gets as much sea, sand, and sun as she can.

Jenny O’Neill, Associate Director

Jenny O’Neill serves as the Associate Director of the Office for Ministry with Youth for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She is grateful to witness young people discover their gifts, deepen their relationship with Christ, and recognize their irreplaceable role in the Church’s mission today.

A graduate of Immaculata University and a former member of a religious community, Jenny’s ministry is shaped by her formation in religious life, education, and the mentors, family, and friends who have walked alongside her. She is convinced that ministry begins with listening, deepens through relationship, and bears fruit when people are trusted to offer their gifts to the world.

Jenny is struck by the curiosity, awareness, and genuine passion young people bring to faith and to the world. Their questions and hunger to make a difference continually challenge and deepen her own encounter with Christ.

A lifelong music lover and avid podcast listener, Jenny is rarely without something playing in the background. She’s a loyal Philadelphia sports fan who appreciates a good laugh and never misses an opportunity to find joy in the ordinary.