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This week’s guest is Kim Botto, a longtime children’s and student ministry leader, TBRI® Practitioner, and all-around passionate advocate for kids who don’t always fit the mold. She’s spent decades creating spaces where every child—regardless of background, behavior, or ability—can belong, contribute, and grow.

Kim and I talked about what happens when places like school or church aren’t safe or supportive—especially for kids with trauma, disabilities, or neurodivergence. She shared the idea of “connection before correction,” and reminded me that we don’t need a diagnosis to lead with compassion.

We also got real about what it takes to build a culture of belonging—and how sometimes it starts with something as small (and powerful) as a strip of red tape.

Kim is the author of Boundless Hope for Every Child and hosts The Every Child Belongs podcast. She lives in the greater Cincinnati area with her husband, close to their five kids and eleven grandkids.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: kimbotto.com
• Book: Boundless Hope for Every Child
• Podcast: Every Child Belongs
• Instagram: @kimbotto
• TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention)
• Baylor University & Eric Carter research on disability and church inclusion

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