The CommunOT Difference

Where Clinical Expertise Meets the Healing Power of Nature

Every child deserves a space where they feel capable, understood, and excited to learn. But traditional, four-walled therapy clinics don't always work for every kid.

Hi, I’m Dr. Tyler Lacertosa. As a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) with over 9 years of pediatric experience, I founded CommunOT Farm & Programming to break free from standard clinic walls. We blend evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy with real-world, outdoor experiences—helping kids build confidence, resilience, and life skills right here on the farm and throughout our Seminole County community.

Whether your child is navigating sensory processing challenges, working on motor coordination, or looking for meaningful social connections, we provide a warm, 100% unplugged environment where growth happens naturally.

What We Offer

Individual Pediatric OT: Specialized, 1-on-1 therapy sessions held outdoors at Spring Acres Stables in Chuluota, FL, and local community spaces.
Homeschool & Community Enrichment: Experiential, small-group programs that seamlessly integrate OT principles with real-world farming, crafting, and life skills.
Intergenerational Programs: Unique opportunities (like CommunOT Connections) for youth to build empathy, social etiquette, and executive functioning alongside local seniors.

Areas of Focus

We help children thrive across five key developmental pillars:

Sensory Processing & Regulation
Fine & Gross Motor Precision
Social-Emotional Connection & Communication
Self-Care & Real-World Independence
Executive Functioning & Cognitive Growth

🎓 Direct Provider for Step Up for Students
We are an approved direct pay provider for the Step Up for Students Scholarship Program, making specialized care and enrichment accessible for your family.

Meet the Founders

Tyler Lacertosa OTD, OTR/L

Founder, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Meet Tyler Lacertosa, OTD, founder of CommunOT Farm and Programming. With over 8 years of clinical experience as a pediatric occupational therapist, Tyler has a deep understanding of child development and a passion for helping children thrive.
Tyler believes in the power of nature to foster learning and growth. He leverages the unique farm environment to create engaging and playful therapy sessions that address a wide range of developmental needs, including sensory processing challenges, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and self-care. Tyler also provides community-based occupational therapy services, helping children develop essential life skills. These services include guidance on navigating community settings like stores and public spaces, teaching effective communication skills for interacting with others, and building confidence in independent outings. These skills are crucial for successful transitions into adulthood, especially for high school-aged children.
Tyler is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace. He is passionate about using innovative and creative approaches to help children reach their full potential.
Melissa Mesman EdD(c)

Manager, Educational Specialist
Meet Melissa Mesman, Co-Founder and Manager of CommunOT Farms & Programming. Melissa brings a unique blend of experience to our team. With a strong background in higher education, she has spent over a decade teaching health science courses, cultivating a passion for engaging and student-centered learning. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education, Melissa is deeply immersed in research on early childhood development and learning theories, with a particular focus on creating learning environments that foster autonomy, sensory integration, and learning through play and student interests.
As a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner, Melissa integrates her understanding of holistic well-being with her expertise in development and learning. She believes that clearing energetic blocks can significantly enhance a child's ability to learn, regulate, and thrive, complementing their natural growth processes.
As the driving force behind CommunOT's educational programming, Melissa is dedicated to providing families with valuable resources and support. She believes in empowering children to learn and grow through meaningful experiences, and she is excited to share her knowledge and expertise with the community.