John A. Soto
Director of Operations and Co-Founder
John Soto, our esteemed CEO, brings a rich history of leadership, commitment, and expertise to Athena Behavioral Treatment Center. A disabled veteran, he dedicated 25 years to serving in military and security management roles, focused on risk mitigation for deployed U.S. personnel and their families.
His expansive career is defined by innovative partnerships with various agencies, both in the U.S. and abroad. These collaborations have been the backbone of many groundbreaking security prevention programs and operations.
His tactical acumen isn’t just theoretical; John has effectively led teams through intricate projects across diverse geographic and inter-agency landscapes.
A natural mentor, John is deeply invested in the personal and professional development of others. His leadership ethos is built on creating strong, enduring relationships and empowering individuals to achieve their life objectives.
At Athena Behavioral Treatment Center, John applies the same rigorous standards, strategic thinking, and passionate commitment that characterized his military career. He is unwaveringly dedicated to equipping ABTC’s clinicians with the leadership, resources, and support they need to focus solely on the critical care they administer to clients and their families.
Tania Sexton
Clinical Director
I am a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over 10 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I earned my Master of Science in ABA from Purdue University, where I developed a strong foundation in the principles of behavior, data-driven decision-making, and ethical clinical practice.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals across a wide range of ages and diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other developmental delays. My work has spanned various settings including clinics, homes, schools, and community environments, allowing me to gain a well-rounded perspective on how to best support clients and families.
I specialize in developing individualized treatment plans that focus on both skill acquisition and behavior reduction, using evidence-based strategies grounded in the science of ABA. I am particularly passionate about building functional communication, social skills, independence, and adaptive behaviors that significantly improve quality of life.
Collaboration is a core value in my practice. I work closely with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure consistency and generalization across environments. I also enjoy mentoring and training RBTs and other professionals to help elevate the quality of care across the field.
My goal is to empower clients and their families with the tools and strategies they need to thrive—not just in session, but in everyday life.
Sylvia Johnson
HR Director
Sylvia Hughes Johnson brings a diverse and comprehensive background in human resources, operational leadership, and educational support to her role as human resources director at Athena Behavioral Treatment Center.
Her career began in Washington, D.C., where she held positions as events coordinator, assistant general manager, general manager, and accounting department lead within high-end restaurant operations. In these roles, she successfully managed HR functions, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and supported a staff of over 50 employees, consistently ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.
Sylvia further advanced her ability at Golden Moon Tea, where she served as executive of HR and accounting. There, she played a critical role in driving sales growth and overseeing all aspects of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable, proving a keen ability to blend strategic planning with hands-on operational management.
Inspired by her experience volunteering at her son’s school and working with classmates with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Sylvia made a pivotal career shift into education and behavioral support. She dedicated eight years to Prince William County Schools, serving in both general education and special education settings. Her work included supporting students with a wide range of needs, including ASD (from high functioning to severe), Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), ADHD, pathological demand avoidance (PDA), and developmental delays.
Sylvia holds a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies with a concentration in psychology and mental well-being in elementary school environments from George Mason University. She is also completing her Master of Education with a specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at George Mason University.
Combining extensive HR and operational leadership experience with her educational background, Sylvia provides a unique viewpoint that prioritizes compassionate support and effective clinical programming. As Human Resources Director, she ensures that all clients receive the high-quality therapy they deserve in a nurturing clinical setting that fosters growth, skill acquisition, and independence. Her leadership reflects a commitment to empowering both staff and families, creating a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.