PENDLETON, OR, September 08, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- K. Shayne Arndt has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Arndt has established himself as a leading expert in preventing substance abuse and suicide among youth and young adults, dedicating his career to making a significant impact in Umatilla County and beyond. As founder and chief executive officer of Creating Conquerors, allocating substantial time each week to developing content and initiatives that focus on prevention strategies for young people since 2012. His leadership includes collaborating with subcontractors to support various projects, highlighting essential dates such as National Overdose Awareness Day and promoting prevention week activities. Mr. Arndt's approach emphasizes engaging youth before they require treatment, utilizing both in-person presentations and innovative social media outreach.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Arndt adapted his methods by leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to reach a broader audience of young people. This shift proved highly effective, with his social media campaigns ultimately reaching over 10 million individuals thus far. He is particularly proud of this achievement and remains committed to expanding this reach further. Among his most notable accomplishments is the creation of a video recognized by the American Public Health Association at its digital conference, underscoring his influence in public health communication.

Mr. Arndt's vision extends beyond prevention to encompass the entire continuum of care, from early intervention, treatment, and recovery. He actively collaborates with storytellers in recovery, believing that sharing personal experiences can inspire others and foster positive change. His commitment is evident in his willingness to provide services to anyone in need, whether self-referred or mandated by court order, despite local legal complexities following Oregon's Measure 110 decriminalization.

Creating Conquerors is his passion project. Mr. Arndt also serves as COPES deputy director including COPES 4 Youth program director at Oregon Washington Health Network. In this capacity, he contributes to program development and implementation aimed at supporting youth through evidence-based prevention, early intervention, and substance use disorder treatment strategies.

Mr. Arndt's expertise is further demonstrated through his provision of American Society of Addiction Medicine assessments, individualized treatment plans, substance use disorder outpatient treatment and clinical supervision for certified alcohol and drug counselors. His dedication to opioid use disorder treatment is deeply personal, motivated by the loss of a family member to fentanyl overdose.

His professional journey also includes involvement with Dream Team Softball Camp, reflecting his commitment to community engagement and youth development outside traditional clinical settings. The Dream Team Softball Training facility is opening in the Fall of 2025.

Mr. Arndt's academic background has played a pivotal role in shaping his career trajectory. He earned a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management from the University of Phoenix, which provided him with essential skills for organizational leadership and program management. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and pastoral ministries from Global University, equipping him with a strong foundation in counseling and spiritual guidance. Additionally, he completed an associate degree in criminology in Canada, offering valuable insights into the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health.

Certified by the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon, Mr. Arndt maintains high standards of professional practice within the field of addiction counseling.

Mr. Arndt attributes much of his success to individuals in recovery who have shared their stories, recognizing the transformative power of storytelling in fostering hope and resilience. He is dedicated to collecting personal narratives—aiming for one thousand stories—to demonstrate how recovery can positively impact families and communities. The viral success of Abel Lozano's story stands as a testament to this approach.

Civically engaged, Mr. Arndt has collaborated with organizations such as Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, furthering his commitment to culturally responsive care and community partnership.
His work has been recognized with video recognition from the American Public Health Association, highlighting his contributions to public health education.

Born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, Mr. Arndt enjoys going to the gym, playing men's fastpitch softball and spending time with his family. Faith in God remains an essential aspect of his life.

Looking ahead, Mr. Arndt aims to expand his social media outreach by increasing viewership exponentially through authentic recovery videos and enhanced digital platforms. He seeks additional funding through grants or donors to broaden the impact of his initiatives across the United States and Canadian audiences.

Mr. Arndt's unwavering dedication continues to drive meaningful change for individuals affected by substance use disorders while inspiring hope throughout the communities he serves.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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