Meet the Team

CARLY SMITH

Chief Administrative and Operations Officer 

Dr. Carly Smith is a Chiropractic Physician and Entrepreneur for over 25 years. Her expertise lies in system management, operations and finance. She received her Bachelor’s in Education from Loyola University Chicago, Bachelor’s in Human Biology and Chiropractic Physician Degree from National University of Health Sciences. As an author, she has written two books on health and has extensive training in business, communication and team building. As a passionate advocate for the health and well-being of children, she has dedicated her life to helping foster and trafficked children find homes.

Leah Stauffer

Founder And Chief Executive Officer

As Founder, Leah holds the vision for Half A Million Kids results based 3-Phase Plan as well as design and development of the Campaigns, Matching Tech, Bridge Program and scaling of The National Model. She has vast experience as a 25 year entrepreneur, producer, author and trainer.  Leah launched Half A Million Kids 501c3, a charity born out of a documentary she embarked on about the U.S. Foster Care System and the absence of substantial recruitment campaigns for individuals and families looking to adopt. Leah’s dedication to finding permanent homes for foster children eligible for adoption gave rise to the organization. 

Lisa MacDonald

Executive Director

Lisa is a passionate and results-driven leader with a proven track record of guiding cross-functional teams and managing multimillion-dollar operations across diverse markets, including healthcare, human services, and non-profit organizations. With expertise in operational leadership, human resources, strategic planning, and business development, Lisa enjoys driving process efficiencies, fostering stakeholder relationships, and delivering measurable outcomes. She makes a commitment to high-quality service, transparency, and innovation has led to significant achievements in organizational transformation and talent management. Employment highlights include – Healthcare Professional Services at CynergisTek and Aramark, Columbus Organization serving underserved children with IDD and America’s Future with a focus on Training and Awareness around Child Exploitation and Trafficking. Lisa joins HMK as Executive Director.