Administration Team

Arc of Putnam Administration

Much of The Arc’s success can be attributed to our leadership. The Arc of Putnam County is dedicated to assembling a professional team of experienced administrators who not only bring their own unique talents to the agency but who dedicate their careers to making The Arc of Putnam County one of the premier service providers in our field and a centerpiece of the community.


Denis M. Sousa

Chief Executive Officer

A transplant to Florida by way of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Denis, an Army Veteran, has lived in Florida since 2008. After earning his B.S. from the University of Massachusetts and M.S. from Southern New Hampshire University he began his career in Key West, Florida and has held progressive roles across the state in the non profit sector, always in the areas that support vulnerable populations.  He most recently served as an Executive Director for a leading organization that focused on families experiencing homelessness in St. Petersburg. Mr. Sousa has an extensive background in non profit management and excels in the areas of budgeting, marketing and organizational outreach. He joined The Arc of Putnam County in January of 2024.

April Comer

Chief Financial Officer

A Palatka native, April has more than 16 years of experience in the financial sector working with governments including the Department of Revenue and municipalities such as the City of Titusville and most recently the  Clay County Board of County Commissioners. Mrs. Comer has an extensive background in budgeting, accounting and acting as a liaison with multiple Boards and Commissions. We look forward to many years working together. April joined The Arc of Putnam County Team in November of 2023.

Katrinia McKnight

Director of Arc Programming & Services

A native of Palatka, Katrinia began her career of resident care with the Arc of Putnam County and has been with the organization for more than 38 years. This experience allowed her to become proficient in resident care, advocacy, staff leadership and regulatory compliance. Ms. McKnight demonstrates her love, care, and compassion for others while both serving and leading while encouraging others to rise to a level of care that benefits and enhances the lives of all individuals served.

Patty Dame

Manager of Administrative Services 

Patty grew up in Winter Park and moved with her family to Palatka in 1991. She worked for a local pediatric group for 30 years before joining The Arc of Putnam County. Patty’s first role at the Arc was as a skills trainer for Project SEARCH, an international program that educates and trains persons with disabilities to secure competitive employment in an integrated setting. Patty is a certified Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Specialist and is also a Certified Behavioral Health Care Technician. Patty is passionate about her job at the Arc and the people that she serves.

Terry Massey

Manager of Human Resources and Compliance

A graduate of Palatka High School and a Navy Veteran, Terry began his career at the Arc 35 years ago. Starting within our residential programs, Terry has held progressive leadership roles throughout his time with us and in 2012 was promoted to the Training and Compliance Coordinator.  As the organization evolved, so did Terry’s role as he was elevated to the Human Resource and Compliance Manager in 2023.

 

 
 
The Arc of Putnam County provides advocacy, individually tailored living environments, meaningful day activities, work training, employment services, and support to residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and spina bifida.