Beth Smith, Founder

Beth Smith is the visionary & founder of the Providence Extension Program. An idea that began around her own kitchen table and has since grown into a multi-campus ministry shaping generations of students. What started as a simple desire to provide her own children with specialized, Christ-centered academic support became a groundbreaking model that blends the strengths of home education with expert tutoring and biblical discipleship.

From the early days of gathering specialized tutors for her own family, Beth recognized a deeper need shared by countless parents: an academically rigorous, spiritually rooted program that partners with families rather than replaces them. Her conviction, creativity, and determination turned that vision into what PEP is today.

Though her own children have long since graduated, Beth’s commitment to the mission has never faded. She continues to guide, mentor, and encourage PEP’s leadership and tutors, ensuring that the program remains faithful to its founding principles while preparing students to navigate an ever-changing world with wisdom and discernment.

Today, Beth is witnessing the second generation of PEP families stepping into the story she started. A testament to the strength of her vision and the Lord’s faithfulness. Her legacy is not just an educational model, but a community shaped by Truth, discipleship, and a deep belief in what young people can become when they are taught to think, reason, and live for the glory of God.

Joanne Mastronicola, Executive Director

Joanne has been part of the PEP community for more than 17 years, serving faithfully as a tutor, Campus Administrator, and now Executive Director. Throughout her leadership, she has seen PEP grow from a single-campus program to a five-campus network, all while championing our mission of academic excellence grounded firmly in biblical truth.

Joanne’s strength lies in bringing people together. Her organizational clarity, steady leadership, and collaborative spirit have helped maintain consistency, quality, and unity across every PEP location. She is passionate about building strong teams and believes wholeheartedly that committed educators working in partnership with families create the most transformative learning environments.

What guides her leadership more than anything is a deep love for students. Joanne is driven by a desire to see teenagers grow in their faith, develop wisdom, and pursue their full academic potential. Her vision and steadfast commitment continue to shape PEP’s culture and impact the lives of students and families across every campus.

Campus Administrators

Becky Hollis | East St. Johns, FL

Becky was first introduced to PEP in 2013 as a PEP parent.  Over the next few years she grew to appreciate the program more and more.  In 2018, she joined the PEP team as one of the science tutors, and is now ready to serve the PEP family as the Administrator of PEP East St. Johns. Becky is excited to bring her biblical counseling background and her love for teenagers to Ponte Vedra as she endeavors to disciple students and encourage parents along their homeschooling journey.

Barbie Towner | Mandarin, FL

Barbie came to PEP in 2011 as a PEP parent and later joined as a Comp & Lit tutor. Her three children have since graduated from PEP. As the director of a large homeschool co-op for many years, Barbie brings admin experience and a desire to work with families called to homeschool their teens. She has a heart for building relationships to disciple and equip the next generation for Christ.

Lynne Norris | Westside, FL

Mrs. Norris came to PEP in 2014 as a Pre-Algebra Tutor. Her family was so impressed with PEP, that the next year they enrolled their daughter. Since 2014 Mrs. Norris has taught Alg. 1 & 2, Geometry, launched the Statistics class, and taught French and Government and Economics, on multiple campuses. Prior to PEP, Mrs. Norris founded a tutoring business, which she maintains today. She also had a 20+ year career in the banking/finance world. Mrs. Norris holds an M.B.A. in Management from Johns Hopkins University and a B.B.A. in Finance from Loyola University Maryland.

Mrs. Norris maintains that of all her work experiences, PEP has been the best by far! She has loved working with pre-teens and teens these last 10 years and looks forward to building new relationships and continuing to disciple students in her new role!

Julie Conley | Dayton, Oh

Julie Conley is a dedicated homeschooling mother and educator. She has been married to Glenn for over 20 years, and together they have four children. Julie has always homeschooled her children, and her oldest recently graduated from PEP, marking a significant milestone in the family's educational journey.

Julie holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Wright State University. Her passion for learning extends beyond traditional academics; she enjoys exploring a wide range of topics, from apologetics to practical skills like drywalling. Always up for an adventure, her enthusiasm for continuous learning is something she shares with the families and students at PEP. Her approach to leading and teaching reflects her commitment to fostering critical thinking and a strong work ethic, all within a Christ-centered framework.

Amy Claire | Mason, Oh

Amy joined the PEP Mason community in 2015. As a parent seeking a Classical Christian homeschooling program for her children, she appreciated how effectively PEP was fulfilling their goal of training the next generation academically and spiritually. Seeing this vision actualized weekly in her own home, she chose to take on a more active role in serving the PEP community as a history tutor, and later as the administrator. She considers it a great privilege watching the Lord fulfill the Great Commission in and through our students. She loves to share her experience with other families and encourage them in their unique journey.