Every Child Belongs

Kim talks with Dr. Dwonna Thompson-Lenoir (PsyD, LPCC-S), a seasoned psychologist and licensed professional clinical counselor, to explore how trauma impacts children and their sense of belonging. Drawing from years of experience working with children and families, Dr. Dwonna unpacks what trauma really means, how it affects a child's brain and behavior, and why perception plays such a critical role. Together, they dive into practical ways caregivers, teachers, and trusted adults can build trust with children who've faced trauma. From fostering curiosity and conversation to showing unwavering consistency, Dr. Dwonna shares actionable strategies to support kids in their healing journey.

It's an honest, compassionate, and hopeful conversation that reminds us: with patience and understanding, we can create spaces where every child truly belongs. "Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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.

In this episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim welcomes Becky Davidson, co-founder of Rising Above, a ministry dedicated to supporting families raising children with disabilities. Becky shares her journey as a mother to her son, Jon Alex, who has profound disabilities, and how her family's experience led to the creation of Rising Above—a community that provides encouragement, resources, and connection for families who often feel unseen and isolated. Becky opens up about the early challenges of parenting a child with special needs, the struggle of isolation, and the importance of letting people into your story. She also shares practical advice for both families of children with disabilities and those who want to be better friends and allies. Whether you're a parent navigating a similar journey or someone looking to support a family in your life, this conversation is filled with wisdom, hope, and actionable steps toward building a more compassionate community.

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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.

Dr. Lamar Hardwick, also known as "Autism Pastor," joins Kim on Every Child Belongs to share his journey of being diagnosed with autism at 36 and how that has shaped his work as a pastor, author, and disability advocate. Dr. Lamar has dedicated his life to creating spaces where individuals with disabilities don't just share space but actively shape it. He emphasizes the importance of awareness, acceptance, and advocacy—both in churches and society at large—to build truly inclusive communities. In this episode, Dr. Lamar opens up about the challenges he faced growing up undiagnosed, how his faith and experiences have influenced his mission, and the barriers that still exist for individuals with disabilities in faith communities. He also shares practical ways churches and organizations can move beyond surface-level inclusion to real belonging. Whether you're a parent, educator, or ministry leader, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to rethink what true acceptance looks like.

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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.

Ryan is the co-founder of One Big Happy Home and the host of the Empowered Parent podcast, which is closing in on 200 episodes! One Big Happy Home equips churches, organizations, and parents with the tools they need to support kids from hard places. Side note, Ryan is absolutely hilarious—so be prepared for some laughs (and maybe a few coughs). In this episode, Ryan shares his passion for trauma-informed care and explains why it's not just about helping kids at home, but also in schools, churches, and every environment they enter. The importance of consistency, how One Big Happy Home is making an impact through courses and training, and why churches play a crucial role in supporting families are just some of the topics covered. Listen in to hear his wisdom, insights, and maybe even a coffee-stained book recommendation!

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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 and student ministries.

Kim reunites with her friend, Jess Berryhill! They first met a few years ago at a conference, where we were thrown together to help lead a meetup—and the rest is history. Jess is the student and disability minister at Mount Pleasant Church in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the work she's doing is nothing short of incredible. She started out as a youth pastor, but when a handful of students with disabilities and neurodivergence started coming to her ministry, everything changed. Today, she leads a thriving community that gathers over 100 students each week! In this episode, Jess shares the unexpected journey that led her from studying experimental psychology to discovering her true calling in ministry. She tells the powerful story of Nick—a student with autism whose presence completely reshaped her approach to youth ministry. What started as an attempt to meet one student's needs has now grown into something far bigger than she ever imagined. They talk about the challenges, the creativity, and the moments of transformation that have shaped Jess's ministry, and how we can all play a role in creating spaces where every student belongs.

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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.

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.

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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.

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.

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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 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!

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (affiliate links)

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!

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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.

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!

"Boundless Hope for Every Child" by Kim Botto https://amzn.to/3Uj0MKg (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.