Every Child Belongs

Kim Botto
  • 5.0 (22)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. APR 16

    Sensory-Friendly Haircuts for Neurodivergent Kids : Henry Tribes

    Kim 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.

    35 min

  2. APR 2

    Friendship First: The Simple Shift That Changes a Church : Ryan Wolfe

    What 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.

    46 min

  3. MAR 19

    Big Feelings, Little Kids, and a Gospel-Centered Preschool Ministry : Josh Zello

    In 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.

    41 min

  4. MAR 5

    When Inclusion Feels Difficult: Practical Tools for Churches : Cortney Jenkins

    In 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.

    34 min

  5. FEB 19

    Inclusion Ministry for Teens and Adults : Stephanie Smith

    In 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.

    37 min

  6. FEB 5

    A Good Family Is Better Than a Great Program : Brian Mavis

    Kim talks with Brian Mavis, co-founder of America's Kids Belong, about foster care and why families are the key to changing long-term outcomes for kids from hard places. Brian shares his family's journey into foster care, how America's Kids Belong grew from storytelling and advocacy to recruiting and retaining foster families, and what communities can do to better support the families who say yes. Brian also unpacks his new book, Upstream: Diving into Foster Care to Heal 10 Social Wounds, explaining how foster care is connected to many of the challenges communities work hard to address later, including homelessness, trafficking vulnerability, addiction, and incarceration. They close with practical ideas for churches, including wraparound support and regular respite nights that help families stay strong and stay in the game. "Upstream: Diving into Foster Care to Heal 10 Social Wounds" by Brian Mavis https://amzn.to/4qx8i25 "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.

    40 min

  7. JAN 22

    Why Nearly Half of Families Leave Church: New Research with Erik Carter

    Dr. Erik Carter joins Every Child Belongs to talk about what belonging really means for families impacted by disability and why churches must move beyond accessibility to genuine relationships. Erik is a professor at Baylor University and Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. He shares how friendships with young adults with developmental disabilities shaped his faith and his life's work, and why ministry must be with people, not for them. Kim and Erik discuss research showing that nearly half of families of children with disabilities have left their church because their child wasn't welcomed or included. They explore the "10 dimensions of belonging," what intentional churches do differently, and practical ways churches can support families not only on Sundays but throughout the week. The episode closes with encouragement for leaders who feel overwhelmed and a reminder that creating belonging is central to the gospel. "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.

    44 min

  8. JAN 8

    Anniversary Episode: A Year of Stories, Strategies, and Hope

    It's the one-year anniversary of Every Child Belongs and this episode flips the script. With Dave kicking things off, Kim Botto reflects on what the past year has meant, what surprised her most, and what she's learned from conversations with educators, therapists, parents, and advocates. You'll hear the biggest themes that kept showing up across the season: why proximity matters, why behavior is often misunderstood, why listening is so closely tied to love, and why adults have a responsibility to stay in the game longer than feels comfortable. Kim and Dave also talk about the power of community for families who feel isolated, the importance of offering specific help, and the hope-filled truth that change is possible through both neuroplasticity and the renewing of the mind. If you serve kids in any capacity, this recap will help you focus on what matters most: creating spaces where kids can be fully themselves, find their people, and experience real belonging. "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.

    40 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kim Botto
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Every Child Belongs

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