A Modern Treatment Facility Rooted In the Oldest of Traditions
Recovery is hard. Addiction is harder. The Living Room at Princeton is a first of its kind substance use and mental health treatment facility. Well over one hundred years of industry experience, education and personal recovery inform our clinical approach; however, our truest value stems from millenia of wisdom. The Living Room at Princeton marries elegance, intelligence and a commitment to authenticity that together create a physical, emotional and spiritual space for lasting change.
A Space Like No Other
A Team Like No Other
A Culture Like No Other
The Living Room at Princeton is a modern treatment facility rooted in the oldest of traditions. While evidence based practices are at the core of what we offer, we view the struggles that often motivate our members to cross our threshold as a profound opportunity to awaken. While some may see these same struggles as a failing or misfortune, we see them as the mud from which the lotus is born.
Meet the Team
The Living Room at Princeton’s greatest offering is the humanity, elegance and intelligence of our staff. While informed by evidence based practices, our clinical approach is more firmly rooted in the art of therapy. We know that great clinicians are born of a personal commitment to self exploration, acceptance and celebration. We make but one promise. We will continue to know and understand our own experience, as we hold space for yours.
August Leming, PhD
Founder and Creative Director
Dr. August Leming is a life-long student of the human experience. He learned early on that the world can sometimes be a dangerous place. A history of childhood trauma and difficulty making sense of his experience provided fertile ground for a much needed deeper look at what this life has to offer. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from Columbia University, August was introduced to the study of Buddhism in 1989 under Robert Thurman. Unbeknownst to him, this introduction would play a major part in his life for decades to come. For several years after graduation, August traveled the globe in his efforts to find a semblance of peace. A number of continents later, he found himself back home, exhausted from years of use and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Compulsivity having taken its toll, August returned at 360 pounds, jobless and without direction. A simple scene from Shawshank Redemption motivated him to turn his not yet identified alcoholic obsession towards bodybuilding. Three years later, he stood at 200 pounds, eating disordered, no less fearful but now capable of selling his obsession as, of all things, a health coach. Alcohol would soon become a part of the picture again, and by the age of 28, August had finally reached bottom. Getting sober meant going back to school, a safer place, as he was always a high achieving academic. What was intended to be a two-year Masters program at Seton Hall University, evolved into a seven-year Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. While studying at Seton Hall, August served as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology and Statistics on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He did extensive research in adolescent aggression, racial identity, spirituality in counseling, meditation and personality development. As part of his Doctoral training, August worked in the NJ prison system where he developed a Family Services Program and worked extensively with populations impacted by violence, trauma and addiction. Dr. Leming’s dissertation - Happy, Joyous and Free: An Exploration of the Relationship between Affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous and Quality of Life allowed for extensive research into the history, effectiveness and underlying methodology of 12 Step Recovery programs.
Sober since 2000, August has continued his Buddhist studies since first beginning in 1989. He has attended multiple week-long retreats and has taught meditation around the world in his work with nonprofits, corporations, universities and athletic programs. His first-of-its-kind compassion-based model of high performance has allowed him to work with organizations across the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and New Zealand. August has been an invited speaker at Yale University, Princeton University, Williams College, University of Virginia, Bucknell University and University of Washington, among many other academic institutions.
While educated at some of the country’s most elite colleges and universities, August values the wisdom of life experience above all else. Knowledge can be helpful, but wisdom is useful. Being given the opportunity to both learn from his confusion and to experience what the world offers as success and failure, August understands an uncommonly wide range of human experiences. The Living Room at Princeton and its team of amazing human beings is Dr. Leming’s greatest joy. The Living Room was established to provide sanctuary for clinicians and clients alike. It’s a physical space that invites spiritual healing through the constant reminder that “There’s nowhere to go.” More than anything else, August’s strange and oftentimes painful journey has made one thing very clear: this very moment is all we have. The Living Room’s greatest hope is that our team and members will learn to commit more fully to the experience of NOW and learn to meet it with a kind and loving heart…regardless of what it holds.
John Prugh
Director of Business Development
As a professional, John brings over 25 years of experience in business leadership to the Living Room at Princeton. Having managed a number of major retailers across the country, John knows and understands the beauty and art of team building, communication and operations. As an extraordinary human being, he brings transformational and heart-felt kindness and compassion to staff and members alike. As Director of Business Development, John has come to recognize that what he enjoys most in life is connecting with others and building long-lasting relationships. John sees the Living Room at Princeton as an experience, a “happening” of sorts.
As someone in long term recovery, John knows and understands the importance of being welcomed, cared for and ultimately forgiven on the path of healing. As a major player in the development of all that is TLR, John is perhaps most proud of what The Living Room at Princeton does to each and every person lucky enough to walk through the doors. “Walking through TLR, I am perpetually invited into a place of pure presence; a place that invites me to consider what is right about my life, and ultimately what is good about being ME in this life.”
Dr. Tamer Wasseff
Medical Director
Dr. Wassef is a double board-certified psychiatrist in general and addiction psychiatry, bringing more than 15 years of clinical and leadership experience to The Living Room at Princeton. His work is deeply rooted in a holistic, collaborative approach to healing, with a strong focus on the mind-body connection and non-pharmacological treatment options for psychiatric conditions, including substance use and eating disorders.
Dr. Wassef completed his fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania and holds certifications from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Throughout his career, he has served as Medical Director for multiple programs, including a medical detox unit and acute inpatient psychiatry unit at Christ Hospital in Jersey City, and the Eating Disorder Unit at Princeton University Medical Center. He also served as Acting Chair of the Psychiatry Department at Christ Hospital.
At The Living Room at Princeton, Dr. Wassef applies his expertise in addiction psychiatry to support individuals navigating substance use challenges. He brings a compassionate, trauma-informed lens to care, aiming to create a safe and supportive environment where healing can take place.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Wassef has lectured nationally on substance abuse, eating disorders, and pain management in chemically dependent patients. His research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing the field of addiction treatment.
Shweta Jain, LCSW, LCADC, CCS
Clinical Director
Shweta is a compassionate and skilled therapist dedicated to fostering healing and growth in her clients. A graduate of Rutgers University’s Master of Social Work program, Shweta has extensive experience working across all levels of care, from outpatient services to inpatient treatment. Her diverse background allows her to address a wide range of mental health conditions, including trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD and others.
Shweta holds professional licenses as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). As a certified clinical supervisor, she takes pride in mentoring aspiring therapists and sharing her knowledge. Recently, she completed her training in brainspotting and is actively pursuing certification in this transformative approach, which focuses on processing trauma and emotional distress.
Believing that self-care is vital to effective therapy, Shweta prioritizes fitness and healthy eating in her own life. This commitment not only helps her maintain balance but also enables her to bring a sense of peace and positivity into her sessions. Her commitment to self-learning inspires her exploration of various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based techniques, while also staying true to her strengths-based and psychodynamic approaches.
Shweta’s warm, empathetic approach creates a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, empowering them to achieve their goals and find balance in their lives as they navigate their challenges. She understands that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process and is dedicated to individualizing care to meet the unique needs of each person she works with. Outside of her practice, Shweta enjoys staying active, exploring new wellness trends, and deepening her understanding of the mental health field.
Shweta has found a place to truly call home at the Living Room and is incredibly grateful to be working alongside such a remarkable group of authentic and heartfelt professionals.
Terbett Martin, MS
Director of Family Services
Terbet Martin joins The Living Room at Princeton team with over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Terbet earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Carolina Central University and her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University. Ms. Martin is a Primary Therapist and the Director of Family Services for The Living Room, and her passion for serving is beyond compare. Terbett is a lifelong student of human development, with specializations in attachment theory, emotional focused therapy and mindfulness.
A mother of three herself, Terbett serves as the Adolescent Care Coordinator for TLR, and she brings the “feeling of family” to every group and individual session she delivers. Ms. Martin is more than proud to call The Living Room her new home, and she is determined to bring families together in this most sacred of spaces.
Mark Melillo, MS, LAADC, LCADC, EMDR
Primary Therapist
Mark Melillo, MS, LAADC, LCADC, EMDR, ICADC, CCTP, CYT-200, is a Licensed Advance Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of California and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug counselor in the state of New Jersey, as well as a nationally certified and registered yoga teacher. Mark holds a master’s degree in human services from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN and an undergraduate degree in Organizational Behavior and Development from the University of North Texas. Mark is also an EMDRIA trained EMDR practitioner.
Mark enjoys working with clients from all walks of life, diverse cultures and backgrounds. After spending the first few years of my substance use and mental health counseling career in the traditional clinical setting as both a residential clinician/coordinator, outpatient clinician, and as an intensive outpatient director, he came to realize that the insight he gained from his personal and professional yoga practice and training is best conveyed within the integration of traditional psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies. His clients are guided and benefit from an increased focus on their personal health needs.
MarThe therapeutic treatments Mark utilizes are based on the individual, focusing on the underlying issues causing pain, using a combination of talk and holistic therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Pranotthan Yoga (Utilizes the Koshas), Mindfulness Meditation, Somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement and Desensitization Therapy (EMDR),
Guided Meditation and movement re-education are portals to improved self-awareness and vitality. Instead of pacifying the symptoms of dysfunction, Mark assists the client in restoring required structural integrity so that the mind, body, and spirit can heal itself. Contemporary science finds common ground in ancestral wisdom time and again, and Mark is honored to be a part of this vital shift as a practitioner. In his work, he has been humbled by the results he has witnessed from relatively simple, practical, and natural techniques in working with clients.
Mark is incredibly thankful to work alongside the team at The Living Room at Princeton, where clinicians hold a safe space for clients and each other. His passion for serving has been rekindled by the wisdom and love he recognizes as the golden threads of The Living Room experience.
Justina Sullivan
Director of Admissions
Justina Sullivan brings 6 years of experience in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Ms. Sullivan has held the roles of house manager, behavioral health technician, recovery coach, group facilitator and sober concierge. Leading with her strengths of compassion and connection, she has found her way to Director of Admissions. Justina is proud and honored to be a part of the beauty of 'now' here at The Living Room at Princeton.
Justina was born and raised in South Florida to a large family, riddled with addiction and neglect. Justina was no stranger to hurt and heartache, eventually manifesting into a crippling 15 year drug addiction. Justina has been relentless in her recovery and rests in the idea that the journey is the destination. She is passionate about the benefits of holistic healing and regularly practices yoga, meditation, journaling and breathwork.
"I was in so much pain. Trying to convince myself that this was all life had to offer me. I was caught up in the cycle of retraumatization through self sabotage and looking for love in all the wrong places. Suddenly it hit me, the very thing I was looking for, I already had. The love I so desperately wanted from the world, I needed to give to myself. That epiphany started my journey back home, to the highest version of myself through unlearning and acceptance of what is. I dedicate myself to helping others recognize the divinity living within."
Nicolette Robinson
Operations Manager
Nicolette Robinson earned her BA in Psychology from Wilkes University in 2019. She has been working closely with Dr. Leming since graduation, as a Health Coach, group facilitator and administrator. More recently, she joined Dr. Leming on their collective passion project, The Living Room at Princeton. While Nicolette plays many roles in a busy life; daughter, sister, wife, friend; her role as Senior Program Administrator of The Living Room may be the most meaningful of all. Nicolette has experienced first-hand the pride Dr. Leming has in The Living Room. Beginning with facility design and continuing to staff selection and development, Nicolette has been Dr. Leming’s assistant, coach and, at times, therapist. She is deeply honored to be a part of this team, wholeheartedly dedicated to creating the magic that is TLR. She is committed to bringing her whole SELF to The Living Room to ensure the most authentic experience for both the members and the team. Nicolette is excited to combine her education and experience in psychology with her human experience to cultivate her personal path of self-exploration and ultimately influence the lives of our members in the most meaningful ways possible.
Barbara Sirch, APN
Advanced Practice Nurse
Barbara Sirch joins The Living at Princeton with 46 years of experience in psychiatric nursing. For the past 25 years, she has practiced as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Barbara has decades of experience working with adolescents, adults and geriatrics across the spectrum of healthcare services. Graduated from Rutgers University and UMDNJ, Barbara has accumulated over 50,000 hours of face-to-face clinical service. She was inspired to join the TLR team as a result of what she describes as “the opportunity to participate in a revolutionary approach to psychiatric and substance abuse care.” According to Barbara, The Living Room at Princeton is “the most authentically human and elegant treatment center” she has ever known.
Henry Nawn
Alumni Relations
Henry Nawn grew up in Princeton, NJ, attending the Pennington School before graduating to Drew University where he earned his BA in Business in 2022. During his college internships and through his early postgraduate experiences, Henry was introduced to and immediately drawn deeper into the field of human services. He began his professional therapeutic journey working as a counselor in a wilderness therapy program in Utah. Henry then moved into the behavioral services arena, working with adolescents and children for the city of Philadelphia. Having known Dr. Leming for nearly his entire life as a dear friend and mentor, it wasn’t difficult for Henry to find his way to The Living Room at Princeton soon after.
Managing alumni relations, Henry will be helping to maintain and improve the sacred physical space that is TLR. As the only element of care that is 100% a part of EVERYTHING that happens at TLR, the physical space is a powerful part of what we offer to our members. Henry’s experience at The Living Room has allowed him to continue a process of self-exploration and self-acceptance he began nearly a decade earlier; and it is this experience that he looks forward to sharing most with our members.
Kristen Furfero
Office Administrator
Kristen brings 10 years of dedicated experience in office administration with a background in financial planning, laboratory operations, marketing, client services, medical billing and department supervision. Known for her exceptional organizational skills and teamwork, she is excited to take on the role of Office Administrator for The Living Room at Princeton.
Kristen’s most recent position, providing testing to patients in substance use treatment in the toxicology laboratory setting, opened her eyes to the importance of medical care for addictions. Perhaps more importantly, she recognized that while essential, medical care was nowhere near sufficient if people were to truly heal.
Having experienced the impact of addiction and mental health struggles within her own family, Kristen is thankful to have the opportunity to now work at a place that “feels more like home.” She is thrilled knowing that The Living Room family can provide its members with a warm welcome and open arms, embracing the truth that recovery is POSSIBLE!
From previously working behind the scenes, to now working with members directly, Kristen knows her role will now be even more rewarding and intends to remind each member walking through The Living Room’s doors…you matter.
Clayton Shemela
Behavioral Health Assistant
Clayton Shemela was born and raised in a small, suburban town in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Early childhood trauma and lack of self acceptance consumed Clayton as a child and teen. He struggled with overeating, a broken family due to his sister's addiction and a divorce as a direct result of that addiction. During Clayton’s high school years, he began experimenting with drugs and alcohol to the voids he always carried. Drugs and alcohol helped him to create the illusion of connection with others and gain the acceptance he always wanted. As a high functioning addict through his early twenties, Clayton masked his pain and did “well enough”, graduating from Point Park University with a BA in Business Administration.
Soon after graduation, Clayton faced the reality of losing his job as a Financial Consultant due to his drug use, soon followed by the loss of his father. The reality of his addiction had set in, and he soon found himself in and out of treatment facilities for years. At best, he could only string 30-90 days clean in between treatment episodes. Eventually, Clayton found himself at a more significant crossroad, and he was presented with the opportunity to complete a long term treatment program in Hamilton, New Jersey. Clayton accepted the opportunity, and it saved his life. Through his treatment experience and personal studies, Clayton practices diaphragmatic breathing, yoga, restorative meditation, and the 12 Steps.
Clayton has worked in treatment for nearly 2 years, and while he found the work meaningful, he always felt as if something was missing. He found that something at The Living Room at Princeton. The compassion, humanity and elegance of The Living Room are everything Clayton ever hoped for in his personal treatment experience. He is thrilled to call The Living Room his new and, God willing, forever home.
Mission
The Living Room at Princeton is a sanctuary. Designed to invite presence and driven by the human capacity for compassion, TLR is a magical place. With awareness and kindness, we stand a chance to relieve ourselves of the shame and guilt that rob us collectively of healing, freedom and joy. Addiction is both a consequence and a cause. We see the suffering of addiction as a gateway to a profoundly powerful life. Together, we use the suffering, and together we cultivate the beauty born of it. Elegance, intelligence and authentic humanity make it all possible at The Living Room.
Vision
Led by a passion for helping individuals reclaim their lives from substance use disorders, The Living Room was founded with a unique vision in mind. Our facility, thoughtfully designed by a Disney Imagineer, stands as a testament to our commitment to providing an environment that nurtures healing and growth.
A Message From Leadership
We understand that exceptional care stems from the well-being of our clinicians. Our unique environment empowers our team to bring their spiritual practices to work, ensuring they are fully present for you. By minimizing administrative burdens, we enable our clinicians to invest the majority of their time in meaningful therapeutic interactions.
A Facility Designed for Healing
Experience “The Living Room,” a uniquely designed treatment facility crafted by a Disney Imagineer. Unlike any other, our brand-new space fuses aesthetics with purpose, offering a fresh and innovative environment for healing.
Every room, purposefully designed, caters to specific therapeutic needs. From the calming mindfulness room to collaborative group spaces, each element reflects our commitment to excellence in both care and surroundings. Explore our photo gallery and witness how innovation meets compassionate healing at “The Living Room.”
