Shows
In the Church LibraryA conversation with Sunita Theiss about Neurodiversity in Faith Communities and Family SystemsSend us a textJoin Marissa Franks Burt and Kelsey Kramer McGinnis In the Church Library for a conversation with Sunita Theiss to discuss neurodiversity in faith communities and familiesConnect with Sunita online: Instagram, LinkedIn, SubstackMentioned in the conversation:--Use code LIBRARY for a discount for her upcoming workshop and Q&A: Parenting PDA Children with Grace & Hope: A Christian Perspective on Understanding, Supporting, and Raising PDA Children (8/14/25 at 9AMPT/12ET)--Use SUNITA15 for $15 off low demand parent coaching now through 8/31/25. Learn more about Sunita's work with A...2025-07-171h 00
Every Child BelongsSummer Reflection 1 : Kim BottoIt's the summer! Our routines change, the way we do things change, and so we're changing up Every Child Belongs for the month of July with a couple of mini-episodes. As Kim has been reflecting, a recent episode that stands out was with Dr. Dwonna Thompson Lenoir and the three things she said we could do in order to be a safe place for kids. One is, be curious. Like if a kid is behaving in a way that you don't understand, be curious. Second thing is have a conversation. Talk with the child, not at the child. Third is...2025-07-1002 min
The D6 Family Ministry Podcast#476 | Viewing Kids as Treasures, Not Troublemakers - Kim BottoIn this week’s episode, we are joined by Kim Botto, an author, speaker, dedicated leader in children's and student ministries, an adoptive mom, and a special needs grandma. Kim shares her belief that every child is a treasure, deserving of love and understanding, regardless of their behavior or unique needs.This episode also provides practical advice for churchleaders, highlighting the need for proactive measures and empathy-building among volunteers to create inclusive spaces for all children.Get your copy of Kim Botto’s book, Boundless Hope for Every Child: Help for the Hurting, Compassion for...2025-06-3022 min
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational ConnectionEp 84: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Connect with Grandparents (Part 2 with Kim Botto)How do you explain autism or ADHD to a grandparent who just doesn’t get it yet? In this episode, Isabel Tom sits down with Kim Botto—a seasoned educator, speaker, and grandmother of eleven—to talk about how to help older generations understand neurodivergence in kids. This is part 2 of our conversation. With decades of experience in trauma-informed care and family ministry, Kim shares practical tips, heartfelt stories, and gentle language that grandparents can use to better connect with their neurodivergent grandkids. You’ll hear about her personal journey connecting with her autistic grandson, why ADHD is like h...2025-06-2623 minEvery Child BelongsBuilding Inclusive Churches for Kids with Disabilities : Sandra PeoplesIn this episode of Every Child Belongs, host Kim Botto sits down with her friend and fellow advocate Sandra Peoples. Sandra shares her unique story of growing up in a family shaped by disability—her older sister had Down syndrome—and how that upbringing influenced her calling. Years later, Sandra and her husband became parents to two boys, one of whom was diagnosed with profound autism. This dual perspective—both as a sibling and now a parent—has fueled her lifelong work in encouraging families and guiding churches toward true inclusion. Sandra's book, Unexpected Blessings, unpacks th...2025-06-2639 min
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational ConnectionEp 83: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Connect with Grandparents (Part 1 with Kim Botto)Do you have a child with autism, ADHD, or sensory needs—and wonder how to help them build a real connection with their grandparents? In this powerful episode of The Value of Wrinkles, host Isabel Tom shares her personal journey of discovering ADHD as an adult and parenting children who are wired differently. She’s joined by Kim Botto, a trauma-informed parenting expert and TBRI Practitioner®, to talk about how families can support neurodivergent children in forming meaningful, joy-filled relationships with their grandparents. 🎙️ You’ll hear: · Why differently wired kids often struggle in social/family situa...2025-06-2019 min
The INCM PodcastEpisode #3: ADHD, Autism, and Children’s MinistryINCM Host - Liza GantRHK & Guest - Kayla Smith & Steve Grcevich (Key Ministry) Questions answered:When we talk about ADHD and autism, these are things that we’ve known about for a while. Has anything changed over the past five years?What are some theological or psychological principles we should keep in mind when working with children with ADHD or autism?What are some practical steps or strategies we can implement to minister more effectively to kids with ADHD or autism?So, what are so...2025-06-2025 min
Key Ministry the Podcast150: Boundless Hope: Creating Church Spaces Where Every Child Belongs with Kim BottoIn this episode of the Key Ministry Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich speaks with Kim Botto about her book Boundless Hope, which equips churches to better welcome and support children with hidden disabilities, trauma histories, and big emotions. Kim shares personal stories, practical strategies, and a powerful vision for inclusive ministry that starts with relationship and empathy.Find the full show-notes here: www.keyministry.org/podcast/2025-06-121h 01Every Child BelongsCommunity & Compassion Matter in Foster Care : Jamie FinnIn this heartfelt episode, Kim Botto is joined by Jamie Finn—foster and adoptive mom, author, and founder of Foster the Family. Jamie shares her candid journey into foster care and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way. With humility and wisdom, Jamie emphasizes that being "qualified" isn’t about credentials—it's about love, faith, and a willingness to grow. Jamie opens up about what it really means to step into the foster care world unprepared but faithful, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed care, surrounding yourself with community, and approaching others with grace. She gives...2025-06-1243 min
The Just A Mom PodcastEpisode 107: Kim Botto, Author of Boundless Hope for Every ChildThis episode is a don’t-miss for all. Kim is passionate about all kids belonging, particularly in church settings. But Kim’s book and principles apply to all of us, and we ended our time together by saying, “Just be a decent human being.” While this can seem so simple, Kim helps us understand the ways that we don’t do this well and how we can do it better, especially with kids and adults who have “invisible disabilities”. Kim talks about how trauma impacts children and their attachment and how neurodivergence affects the brain. Kim also gives great tips for parent...2025-06-101h 01Every Child BelongsEmbracing Diversity in Faith & Disability : Dr. Terisha LeeWelcome to Every Child Belongs, Kim Botto—an adoptive mom, grandma, and passionate advocate for children and teens with disabilities—explores how we can build spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. With decades of experience in student and kids’ ministry, Kim invites listeners into meaningful conversations with parents, educators, professionals, and community leaders to uncover real-life strategies for inclusion. Whether a child is neurodivergent, differently abled, or has experienced trauma, this podcast offers support and encouragement for anyone invested in their well-being. In this episode, Kim talks down with Dr. Terisha L...2025-05-2944 minEvery Child BelongsMailbag #2: Real Questions on Sensory Needs, Neurodivergence, Trauma & Church Challenges : Kim BottoIn this special mailbag episode, host Kim Botto and producer Dave dive into real questions from parents and church leaders who are walking alongside neurodivergent kids or those impacted by trauma. From navigating overstimulation in youth group to meeting sensory needs at home, Kim offers practical, grace-filled strategies grounded in curiosity and compassion. You’ll also hear why your stories and questions matter—and how they help shape a community that sees, supports, and values every child. Whether you're a parent, educator, or ministry leader, this episode brings real encouragement and tangible tools. Kim Botto has...2025-05-1536 minEvery Child BelongsBuilding Spaces of Belonging : Chuck MingoIn this inspiring episode of Every Child Belongs, Kim Botto welcomes longtime friend and changemaker Chuck Mingo. Chuck, a teaching pastor at Crossroads Church and co-founder of Undivided, shares his heart for creating spaces of belonging and his journey of advocating for racial healing. As a natural "includer," Chuck brings wisdom on how we can move beyond surface-level conversations to create genuine connections where every story is heard and valued. Chuck opens up about the origins of Undivided, a transformative experience that equips people to engage in honest dialogue about race, faith, and...2025-05-0150 min
Shine.FM Podcast ChannelFaith Together: Celebrating Easter - Boundless Hope with Kim BottoLet's celebrate Easter not just on Sundays, but every day. On today's episode, Leon and Lindsey welcome author and speaker, Kim Botto, and discuss how we can live with hope and show every child they belong. 2025-04-2728 min
Faith TogetherFaith Together: Celebrating Easter - Boundless Hope with Kim BottoLet's celebrate Easter not just on Sundays, but every day. On today's episode, Leon and Lindsey welcome author and speaker, Kim Botto, and discuss how we can live with hope and show every child they belong. 2025-04-2728 minKey Ministry the Podcast144: How Curiosity and a Few New Strategies Can Expand the Kingdom with Kim BottoEnjoy this talk pulled from the archives of last year's Disability and the Church Conference by Kim Botto. Kim discusses ways to better include all kids in the Kingdom of God.Find the full Show-Notes at: https://keyministry.org/podcast/2025-04-2411 minEvery Child BelongsCuriosity & Consistency Matter : Dr. DwonnaKim 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...2025-04-1740 min
The Small Church Ministry Podcast172: Beyond Inclusion: Helping Every Child Find Their Place in Church | with Kim BottoIn this powerful episode of the Small Church Ministry Podcast, host Laurie Graham sits down with Kim Botto to explore how small churches can create a welcoming environment for every child, especially those with neurodivergent needs or trauma backgrounds.Listen in to:Discover why 1 in 3 families with children with disabilities have left a churchLearn practical strategies for inclusion that don't require big budgetsUnderstand the difference between simply including children and helping them truly belongGet actionable tips for supporting children with sensory needs and behavioral differencesHear inspiring stories of churches making meaningful changesKim shares practical...2025-04-1536 minEvery Child BelongsRising Above : Becky DavidsonIn 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 int...2025-04-0341 minEvery Child BelongsThe Autism Pastor : Dr. Lamar Hardwick 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...2025-03-2750 min
ReStoried75. Why Every Child Needs a Trauma-Informed Community with Kim BottoToday on ReStoried, we’re joined by Kim Botto, a passionate advocate for kids and families. With over 30 years of experience working with children and teens in churches, schools, nonprofits, and foster care initiatives, Kim has a heart for creating safe spaces where kids can heal and thrive. She’s a Trauma Free World Affiliate Trainer, a TBRI Practitioner, and holds a Master’s in Family Ministry—but more than that, she truly cares about making a difference.In this episode, we discuss how we can support vulnerable kids who have experienced trauma. Kim explains what it means to...2025-03-2444 minEvery Child BelongsEndlessly Curious : Ryan NorthRyan 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. 2025-03-2050 min
Kids Ministry Circle PodcastEpisode 117: What Does Belonging Actually Mean with Kim BottoKim Botto is back on the podcast today and we are taking things to the next level. Kim was on the podcast back in 2023 where we talked through building a Special Needs Ministry.Today, we are talking about her new book, Boundless Hope for Every Child, and what belonging looks like in those unexpected moments on Sunday morning. Resources Mentioned: Boundless Hope book Listen to Episode 38 with Kim Botto https://kimbotto.com/2025-03-1952 minEvery Child BelongsBuilding Belonging : Jess BerryhillKim 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...2025-03-1340 min
The Collide Kids Podcast | Kid-Friendly Christian Interviews About Faith, Careers, and Family FunHow to Include Kids Who Think, Act, or Look Different | Faith, Inclusion, and Friendship w/ Kim BottoWelcome to another heartwarming episode of the Collide Kids Podcast. This week, host Christen Clark welcomes Kim Botto, a passionate advocate for children with disabilities, neurodivergence, trauma, and behavior challenges.Kim brings decades of experience in children's ministry and personal insights as an adoptive mom. Her dedication to creating inclusive spaces where every child can belong shines through as she shares her story. She discusses her journey as a mother of children from Ukrainian orphanages and the lessons learned about embracing each child's unique needs.In this episode, Kim offers practical strategies for kids and...2025-03-1238 min
Rising Above with Becky DavidsonKim Botto: Making Sure Every Child BelongsAbout Kim
For the past several decades, Kim has led children’s and student ministries at the local church while also leading initiatives around adoption and foster care. Kim was also Director of Training and Development at a Cincinnati nonprofit working with multi-system involved youth. As an adoptive mom and advocate for kids and teens who have experienced trauma or are neurodivergent or disabled, her passion is creating spaces for all kids—regardless of their background, behavior or unique needs—to belong, contribute and grow. Through speaking, writing and coaching Kim works with parents, church leaders and organi...2025-03-1139 min
Kids Ministry and Leadership PodcastTrauma, Disability and Neurodiverse Children - Interview with Kim BottoKim Botto has just launched a new book called "Boundless Hope for Every Child" where Kim draws on more than thirty years of professional and volunteer experience, as well as her personal experience as an adoptive mom and an advocate for kids and teens with disabilities, to provide tools for responding positively to kids and teens with difficult behaviors. It all starts with a simple change in perspective: consciously approaching disruptive behaviors with curiosity and understanding, rather than judgment.This Podcast unpacks some key concepts from her book. PURCHASE "Boundless Hope for E...2025-03-1123 min
James Trail: from functional to flourishingDisability & Ministry: Why 1 in 3 Families Are Leaving the ChurchThe church should be the most welcoming place on earth—so why do so many families with disabilities feel unseen and excluded? Rebecca Wall, Executive Director of WITH Ministries, shares powerful stories, eye-opening stats, and practical ways churches can shift from exclusion to belonging.In This Episode:✅ Why so many families with disabilities are leaving the church✅ The heartbreaking reality of being told, "Your child is a liability"✅ How churches can shift from separate spaces to true inclusion✅ Practical steps for church leaders, parents, and individuals to foster belongingLearn moreWebsite - https://wit...2025-03-0748 minEvery Child BelongsNavigating Grief Together : Bethany RobertsonIn 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...2025-03-0646 minEvery Child BelongsEvery Child Matters : Beth GuckenbergerIn 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 tra...2025-02-2747 minEvery Child BelongsMailbag #1: Why Kids Do What They Do (And How We Can Help) with Kim BottoWelcome 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...2025-02-2035 min
The Adoption & Foster Care JourneyEpisode 467 - Boundless Hope for Every Child with Kim Botto“For I know the plans I have for you,” declare the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.
On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with kids’ & student pastor, author & speaker—Kim Botto about her new book, Boundless Hope for Every Child—Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the...2025-02-171h 10Every Child BelongsThe Adapted Way : LexiKim 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...2025-02-1330 min
The Collaborative IEPBoundless Hope for Every Child with Kim BottoYou're definitely not alone if you love a disabled person and have struggled to find a church community. You're also not alone is finding community ANYwhere is hard! If that's you, you're going to love this interview with my friend, Kim Botto. Kim's book, Boundless Hope for Every Child, is so insightful and helpful. I mean, how could you not love the tagline... Help for the Hurting, Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely. Kim's one of those people who not only "gets it" but can also put her wisdom into actionable tasks. She's a delight, and so's...2025-02-1140 minEvery Child BelongsBuilding Inclusive Spaces : Rachel Caswell and John Gesenhues 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...2025-02-0637 min
Every Child BelongsReach Hurting Kids : Dr. Robert CrosbyIn 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 ed...2025-01-3047 min
Mental Stillness33. Special Guest (Kim Botto)As an adoptive mom and disability advocate, Kim Botto is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where every child can grow in faith. Through speaking, writing, and coaching, she equips leaders and families to build strong teams and supportive communities. Kim is the former Director of Training and Development at a Cincinnati nonprofit serving multi-system involved youth, has trained thousands of ministry staff, educators, parents, and nonprofit teams on trauma-informed care and engaging neurodivergent kids and teens.
2025-01-2750 min
Every Child BelongsKIND Families : Kari BakerIn 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...2025-01-2339 min
Every Child BelongsAdvocacy & Co-Regulation : Ashley Meier BarlowIn 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 advocac...2025-01-1640 min
Every Child BelongsContinually Look to Include : Heather MeyerHeather 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 Chi...2025-01-0938 min