In this episode, Kim is joined by her dear friend Bethany Robertson, one of the best kids pastors Kim knows. Bethany serves as the kids pastor at Vineyard Cincinnati, and does amazing work when it comes to making sure every child belongs. She has an incredible gift for building up volunteers and creating a team that welcomes all kids with open arms. Beyond her work in ministry, Bethany is a mom to five precious kids, a wife, and very involved in her community. In this conversation, we dive into the importance of creating a place where kids can bring their hard stories. Bethany has personally walked through difficult seasons, and today, she shares her journey and the ways people came alongside her family to help them feel like they truly belonged. 

It’s a powerful conversation about faith, resilience, and what it means to create spaces where every child is seen and valued. 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.

In this episode, Kim is joined by Beth Guckenberger—author, adoptive mom of 11, and co-executive director of Back2Back Ministries, an international organization serving vulnerable children. Beth also helped launch Trauma Free World, a leader in trauma-informed care training now offering their powerful resources completely free.

Together, Kim and Beth dive into what it looks like to create safe, healing environments for kids who’ve experienced hard things. They talk practical strategies, faith in the messy middle, and why trauma-informed care matters in every setting—from churches to schools to living rooms.

Whether you're new to trauma-informed care or looking to deepen your impact, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and actionable tools to help you support every child with compassion and confidence.

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 has spent more than 30 years walking alongside kids, families, and ministry leaders as they navigate tough stuff together. She holds a master’s in family ministry and is a TBRI® Practitioner, Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer, and longtime kids and student pastor. Kim is a passionate voice for inclusion, belonging, and practical hope. She loves a messy table, meaningful connection, and time with her eleven grandkids.

Welcome to the very first Mailbag episode of Every Child Belongs! In this special Q&A format, Kim Botto is joined by friend and podcast producer Dave Little as they tackle some of the most common challenges faced by those who care for kids—especially those with disabilities,  neurodivergence, or who have experienced trauma.

In this episode, we tackle questions like:

• Why do kids with trauma, disabilities, or neurodivergence sometimes seem defiant or manipulative?

• How can we create truly inclusive—not just welcoming—spaces for every child?

With warmth, honesty, and a dose of humor, Kim and Dave explore behavior, belonging, and what it really looks like to be a safe adult for kids who need us most.

Got a question for a future episode? Send it in—we’d love to hear from you!

Kim Botto has spent more than 30 years walking alongside kids, families, and ministry leaders as they navigate tough stuff together. She holds a master’s in family ministry and is a TBRI® Practitioner, Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer, and longtime kids and student pastor. Kim is a passionate voice for inclusion, belonging, and practical hope. She loves a messy table, meaningful connection, and time with her eleven grandkids.

Kim talks with Lexi, a special education teacher and the founder of The Adapted Way, a business dedicated to helping churches break down behavioral and instructional barriers so kids with disabilities can fully access children’s ministry programs. Lexi’s experience in the classroom has shaped the way she equips churches to create inclusive spaces for every child. While her education provided a strong foundation, it was working directly with kids that truly taught her how to adapt and engage in meaningful ways. Now, she’s using that knowledge to help churches ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to know who Jesus is. You can find Lexi on Instagram or visit theadaptedway.com to learn more about her incredible work. Listen and be inspired by this inspiring conversation! 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.

Kim talks with two incredible educators, Rachel Caswell and John Gesenhues, about their elementary school's commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation as we talk about leadership, inclusion, and the incredible work these two are doing to make schools a place where every child is seen, valued, and loved. Their stories and perspectives are sure to inspire!

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.

In this episode, Kim is thrilled to welcome Dr. Robert Crosby, Executive Director of Reach Hurting Kids and a professor of psychology at California Baptist University. With decades of experience serving children and youth in the local church, Robert also conducted a 10-year research project on the intersection of church and child development. We dive into his incredible work and discuss how to ensure every child feels like they belong, especially kids with disabilities, those who are neurodivergent, or children who’ve experienced trauma.

Robert shares how his dedication for youth ministry and education—both in special education and at the university level—led to the creation of Reach Hurting Kids Institute. Through courses, workshops, and resources, the institute empowers churches to re-engage children and foster meaningful belonging. 

Robert unpacks key findings from his research and provides actionable ways churches can support kids and families. This is a must-listen for anyone who is committed to child development and community inclusion.

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Kari Baker, a former financial services executive and business owner who has transformed her career into one of advocacy and inspiration. Carrie is now an author, speaker, and podcaster, as well as the founder of KIND Families—an organization dedicated to supporting Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences (KIND). She also hosts the Kind Families podcast, where she shares insights and resources for parents navigating similar journeys.

Kari’s story began in 2014 when her son, Brady, was diagnosed with autism at three years old. Feeling isolated during that challenging time, she created KIND Families to provide the connection, guidance, and support she wished she had. Join us as Kari shares her inspiring journey from feeling alone to building a community that empowers parents and celebrates the unique strengths of kids with neurological differences.

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.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Meier Barlow, a special education and estate planning attorney based in Kentucky. She’s also the owner of The Collaborative IEP, a digital platform dedicated to empowering and inspiring parents and advocates in the world of special education.

Through her work, Ashley provides invaluable guidance to help families better advocate for their children. You can follow her on Instagram or visit her website, The Collaborative IEP, for expert insights and resources.

Ashley’s impact doesn’t stop there—she’s an active leader in the advocacy space, serving on several boards, including Kentucky's State Advisory Board for Exceptional Children and the National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition. With her passion and expertise, Ashley is making waves!

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.

Heather is a passionate advocate for inclusion and belonging, with experience that spans the roles of special education teacher, parent, and community leader.

As a mom to a child with special needs and those who have experienced trauma, she brings a unique perspective to supporting children with diverse needs. Her professional and personal journeys intertwine, making her an inspiring voice for ensuring every child feels valued.

With her warmth, humor, and love of tacos, Heather is an authentic and relatable advocate who inspires action and connection.

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.

As a mother of three, including a son with autism, Larah Robert’s passion for disability ministry is deeply personal. Along with her husband Collin, Larah co-authored the book "How to Advocate and Stay Christian," offering support and guidance to parents of special needs children.

Larah also encourages parents on her podcast and Instagram at @RaisingAutisticDisciples. Raising Autistic Disciples aims to be a gospel focused resource and encouragement for those desiring to raise autistic disciples for God's Kingdom.

Larah Roberts (pronounced like Sarah with an L) has over 20 years of experience in leading teams, managing programs, and implementing strategic initiatives from her time as an entrepreneur, in addition to her roles on church and nonprofit ministry staffs.

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.