Karli Smith

Founding Director - Business Development & Admissions

Karli is often the first voice families hear when they reach out to Velocity Health Group, meeting them with calm, clarity, and care at a time of fear and uncertainty. She ensures that every part of the admissions journey reflects Velocity’s core promise: healing that begins with safety and trust. Her path to this work is unique—beginning in the U.S. Air Force as a Cryptologic Linguist, where she learned to lead under pressure and communicate across barriers. She went on to hold executive roles, including COO and President, guiding companies through growth, change, and the building of mission-driven teams.

At Velocity, Karli channels this expertise into creating systems that serve both families and staff, knowing that sustainable healing requires supported people and thoughtful processes. Her commitment is simple yet profound: to create an ecosystem where young people feel safe, and the adults around them are empowered to lead with skill, empathy, and consistency.

Outside of work, Karli is a wife, mom, avid hiker, writer, and builder at heart. She believes systems should serve people—not the other way around—and that the smallest, most intentional moments often hold the greatest potential for change.