Read what POV viewers have to say about Best Kept Secret, which is available to watch online until October 7, 2013.
“Cannot keep an eye dry watching this, god bless all of the staff as well as the filmmaker for bringing us their story. Inspiring!!!”
— Ray Tierney
“Mino deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for patience, perseverance and compassion.”
— Caroline Bailey (Facebook)
“This was the BEST television I’ve watched in a long time…”
— Russann McElaney (Facebook)
“I happened to tune in last night and was spellbound. What a fantastic look into the lives of these beautiful young men. In my opinion, however, it is the teacher, by far, who stole my heart. Janet Mino should rock everyone’s world! She possesses a most generous and beautiful heart and soul. Model teacher. Model human being. She gives more than herself to teaching – she gives her students the dignity they deserve. Heart wrenching circumstances, but it is always dignity that is offered, not judgment. Excellent film! Thank you for this film. It should be required viewing for all Special Ed teachers.”
— CHCGrad
“What an amazing film. It was touching, heartfelt and really dug into the real issues that these families and young adults are facing when they “age out” of the system. I was moved by Ms. Mino and her perseverance for each student to find the right environment and job. I agree that all administrators and special ed teachers should watch this film. As a parent of 17 yr old autistic twins, I often have that fear of what will happen to my kids when they age out as well. Parents must constantly advocate for their children, but it was nice to see a teacher doing it too…I hope Ms. Mino does open an adult recreation center, she would do an awesome job. She is a role model to everyone! Thank you to Samantha Buck for making this film and bringing awareness to this subject.”
— knolan
“What a moving and truthful representation of the lives of these young men and many like them. My son will be aging out of his placement in six months. Sadly, my son’s special educators are not looking at appropriate placements for him. I will have to do that on my own. It is through the work of a few dedicated teachers like Ms Mino that i get a glimpse of hope for my son’s future. It is sad but not shocking that only one out of the three students mentioned in this film continued to receive services. I fear that this is probably the norm in most circumstances. I am so worried about what the future holds for my autistic son and i know that the hard work is ahead of me. I want to be able to find programs that will give my son a meaningful life. God bless Ms Mino. These students are truly blessed to have had her In their lives.”
— Ryan’s mom
“That film filled and broke my heart. Ms. Mino, you’re so inspiring. Your dedication and commitment is not unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do. And thank you to the film makers for putting more awareness out there on this subject. People, students, and families from all different backgrounds and circumstances continue to fall through the cracks…and its time we all fight for each other.”
— Aurora
“So incredibly moving…Ms. Mino, as a former teacher my heart ached as each day the students inched forward to graduation and you would have to let go knowing that what you wanted most for these children, for them to succeed and be the best that they could would be difficult at best. It broke my heart to read what followed for many of the students at the end of the documentary. Few people understand the price you pay each and every day because of the vocation you have chosen and I love you for it. Having a developmentally challenged brother and also working as a teacher and later and HR manager I know too well that society as a whole and employers have little concern for the needs of these young men and women and as a result miss out on seeing the contributions they can make if only they were given a chance and opportunity. God Bless You for all you do and the sacrifices you have made! You are love!”
— Blake Seelye
“Thank you PBS for telling the amazing and inspiring story of Ms. Mino and her students. Janet Mino your passion, patience, dedication to your students and their cause is not just heartwarming but awe inspiring and so uplifting. Keep up the amazing work Ms. Mino and please, please, please keep advocating for the productive independence of all those affected by the autism spectrum. Thanks to this film I will never forget the value and contributions these people can make to society and our daily lives.”
— steff
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