Podcast
Every Child Belongs
Hosted by Kim Botto · EN
Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more.
Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids and student ministries.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Disability Ministry Isn't What Most Churches Think : Ryan Faulk
1w ago00:47:39Tap to summarizeWhat if the problem isn't that churches don't care… but that they don't know where to start? In this episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim Botto sits down with ministry leader Ryan Faulk to talk about what it really means to help neurodivergent and disabled kids belong in church communities. Ryan serves as Director of Children and Disability Ministry at Cornerstone Church in California and has spent years helping churches move beyond good intentions into meaningful discipleship. Ryan shares how he "accidentally" created a low-sensory youth ministry environment that drew neurodivergent students in, and how that experience completely changed the way he viewed church, inclusion, and discipleship. Together, Kim and Ryan discuss student ministry transitions, sensory environments, disability ministry silos, church fears around feeling "unequipped," and why every church must move from passive welcome to active belonging. This conversation is deeply practical for pastors, ministry leaders, volunteers, and parents alike. Ryan offers simple but powerful frameworks that help churches think differently about disability ministry, including one unforgettable analogy about goldfish transitions and another about gardening that may completely reshape how you think about supporting kids and families. "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →When "Bad Behavior" Is Trauma & How to Respond Differently : Lori Crosby
3w ago00:45:54Tap to summarizeWhat if the "misbehavior" you're seeing… isn't misbehavior at all? Lori Crosby, licensed marriage and family therapist and co-founder of the Reach Hurting Kids Institute, joins Kim to unpack how trauma impacts children and how we can better support them at home and in church. Drawing from her own story of loss and healing, Lori shares why behavior is always communication, and how small shifts in how we respond can make a lifelong difference for a child. This conversation is both deeply personal and incredibly practical, covering everything from play therapy to summer routines to creating safe, welcoming environments for kids who've experienced hard things. Lori Crosby is a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist, and co-founder of the Reach Hurting Kids Institute. She co-authored Trauma-Informed Children's Ministry and helps equip churches to better support kids and families navigating trauma. Resources & Links Reach Hurting Kids Institute https://reachhurtingkids.com/ Trauma-Informed Children's Ministry (book) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1666715743 "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →When You Love Your Child But Don't Like Them : Lisa Qualls
May 2800:46:47Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you love your child… but being around them feels overwhelming? In this deeply honest conversation, Kim Botto sits down with adoptive mom, author, and TBRI practitioner Lisa Qualls to talk about something many parents feel—but few say out loud: blocked care. Lisa shares her personal story of adoption, trauma, and parenting through extremely hard seasons. From feeling confident as a mom… to experiencing dread, exhaustion, and emotional shutdown—this episode gives language to what so many parents silently carry. If you've ever felt like you're just surviving… or wondered why connection feels so hard… this conversation will help you understand what's really happening—and how healing begins. "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →What Belonging Really Requires : Dr. Curt Thompson
May 1400:51:27Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take for someone to feel like they belong? In this episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim talks with psychiatrist, author, and speaker Dr. Curt Thompson about belonging, shame, suffering, rupture and repair, and the kind of community that helps people heal. Drawing from his work, his books, and his experience serving at Hope Heals Camp, Curt shares why belonging is never just a vague idea. It is something we experience in relationships, in being known, and in spaces where people are welcomed without shame. If you are a parent, caregiver, pastor, ministry leader, or someone longing for deeper community, this conversation will encourage and challenge you. In this episode, they discuss: -why belonging is built through relationships -why so many families feel isolated in church spaces -what makes church wounds feel especially painful -how shame affects the way we respond to others -why real healing happens in community -how to start creating spaces where every child and family can feel at home "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →Trauma, Community, and Hope: Why We All Need Safe People : Meredith Shuman
Apr 3000:48:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim sits down with Meredith Shuman, founder of James Trail, trauma-informed trainer, therapist, adoptive mom, and passionate advocate for families impacted by trauma. Meredith brings nearly three decades of experience working with children, families, churches, and organizations across the U.S. and around the world. Together, Kim and Meredith explore why community and felt safety are essential for healing, especially for adoptive, foster, and kinship families navigating complex trauma. You'll hear Meredith unpack: -What trauma really is and why it affects far more families than we realize -Why many families struggle to find safety and belonging in church spaces -How reading the Bible through a trauma-informed lens changes how we see people like Moses and Gideon -What global churches understand about trauma that the U.S. often misses -Why nature is such a powerful tool for regulation, healing, and hope -Practical ways parents can advocate for kids in medical and high-stress environments -Why the holidays can be especially difficult for kids with trauma histories and how community helps carry the load This conversation is honest, hope-filled, and deeply practical for parents, caregivers, church leaders, and anyone who wants to help create environments where kids and families can truly belong. Connect with Meredith and James Trail: Website: https://www.jamestrail.org/ "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →Sensory-Friendly Haircuts for Neurodivergent Kids : Henry Tribes
Apr 1600:35:05Tap to summarizeKim talks with Henry "Tribes", a Dallas barber known for sensory-friendly haircuts for neurodivergent kids and the inventor of the Weighted Cape. Henry shares how a weighted blanket inspired a new kind of haircut cape, which opened his eyes to families who needed more than a traditional barbershop experience. Henry explains what makes a session successful: preparation with parents before the appointment, reading nonverbal cues, letting kids set the pace, and bringing calm, flexible, positive energy into every interaction. He also highlights the importance of honoring parents, including the hard days when a haircut does not happen, and why he commits to never quitting on a child. This conversation offers practical strategies for anyone who works with neurodivergent kids, plus Henry's vision for sensory-friendly support becoming the standard in industries like health care, education, and travel. Henry's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henrytribes/ Henry's Website: https://theweightedcape.com/ "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →Friendship First: The Simple Shift That Changes a Church : Ryan Wolfe
Apr 200:46:02Tap to summarizeWhat changes a church more than a new program? Sometimes it's a friendship. Kim sits down with Ryan Wolfe, President of Ability Ministry, for a conversation that's both practical and deeply personal. Ryan shares the stories of Clyde and Coral, two friends who shaped his calling and helped him see the difference between doing ministry for people with disabilities and doing ministry with them (and ultimately by them). You'll also walk away with tools you can use right away, including Ability Ministry's free, professional one-page resources (intake forms, volunteer training, disability awareness tools, visual schedules, and more) and DisabilityIsBeautiful.com, a free stock photo library that helps churches reflect the people they hope to welcome. Whether you're a church leader trying to take next steps or a parent wondering if your child will truly be seen, this episode will encourage you and give you a starting point. Ability Ministry Website: https://abilityministry.com/ "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →Big Feelings, Little Kids, and a Gospel-Centered Preschool Ministry : Josh Zello
Mar 1900:41:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim talks with Josh Zello, founder of JesusLovesPreschoolers.com, about building gospel-centered, developmentally rich preschool ministries where kids feel safe, known, and loved. Josh shares what changed when he moved from Texas to Baltimore and stepped into ministry in an urban context where trust is not assumed. He explains why many outreach events fail when they require parents to drop off children, and how trust is often built outside the church walls through consistent presence, service, and relationships, including his surprising role as "Tot Lot Josh." Kim and Josh also dig into big feelings in little kids. Josh reframes emotions as part of being made in God's image and offers practical ways to partner with children as their brains grow and their experiences shape what they feel. The conversation takes a powerful turn as Josh shares what he has learned serving families in his church who are blind, including simple but meaningful accommodations like adjusting worship slides for readability, providing song lyrics in Braille, changing everyday ministry language, and training volunteers to communicate in ways that help kids feel safe and included. They close by talking about wonder, the childlike faith of preschoolers, and how kids can help adults rediscover trust, presence, and joy in the everyday gifts of God. Connect with Josh: Website: JesusLovesPreschoolers.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesuslovespreschoolers/ "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →When Inclusion Feels Difficult: Practical Tools for Churches : Cortney Jenkins
Mar 500:33:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kim talks with Cortney Jenkins, founder of Awe and Wonder, about practical, realistic ways churches can create spaces where kids with disabilities truly belong. Cortney shares how her years as a middle school special education teacher shaped her passion to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and church ministry, and why her adapted Bible resources help more than one group of learners. Cortney unpacks simple tools churches can use right away, including visual timers for transitions, visual supports and AAC-style symbols to clarify Bible stories, and repeating one clear main idea throughout a lesson. She also challenges churches to think beyond children's ministry and build a lifespan mindset, especially helping students transition into middle school and youth ministry with the supports they already use as kids. They discuss what well-intentioned leaders sometimes say that can unintentionally harm families, how to reframe disruption as discipleship, and how to pursue safety and inclusion when a child has high support needs. Cortney closes with practical ideas for churches without a dedicated sensory room, plus the hope and heartbreak she carries as she hears stories from families and ministry leaders across the country. Resources mentioned: Awe and Wonder Website: https://www.specialneedsministryresources.com/ Awe and Wonder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awe__and__wonder/ Free Resources mentioned during episode: https://www.specialneedsministryresources.com/adapting-church-curriculum-handout "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
Transcribe →Inclusion Ministry for Teens and Adults : Stephanie Smith
Feb 1900:36:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim talks with Stephanie Smith, CEO and founder of Kingdom Inclusion, a ministry creating inclusive environments for teens and adults with disabilities and helping churches bridge the gap between the church community and the disability community. Stephanie shares the story behind her passion, shaped by her sister Shelly, who has cerebral palsy and uses a communication device. She explains why finding a church that truly welcomes people with disabilities can be so challenging, and what changed when Shelly was included in youth group life simply as a person who belonged. You'll hear practical ideas churches can use right away to create meaningful belonging beyond kids ministry, including asking families what barriers exist, inviting individuals with disabilities to serve in ordinary roles like greeting and hospitality, and helping volunteers slow down, learn, and ask questions. Stephanie also shares powerful stories from Kingdom Inclusion, including a moment at the Great Banquet when a guest realized, "They really love me here." If you want church to become the most inclusive place on earth, this conversation will encourage you and give you next steps you can actually take. "Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Utuw6V (affiliate links) Every Child Belongs explores how we can create spaces where every child feels heard and valued, whether neurodivergent, differently abled, or they've experienced trauma. We'll hear from educators, parents, professionals, and more. Kim Botto is an adoptive mom, grandma, an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, as well as a long-time leader of kids in student ministries.
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