Photo: Andrew and Poncho in the Umtanum Canyon, 2011

Andrew Cottonwood is a 2011 graduate of the Northwest School of Animal Massage; certified by the Washington State Department of Health; member of Associated Body & Massage Professionals ; sole proprietor doing business as Andrew Cottonwood Small Animal Massage Practitioner. 

Andrew studied Maintenance Massage, Performance Massage and Geriatric/Rehabilitative Massage at NWSAM. He is certified in small animal massage by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage. He has also received training in aromatherapy, manual ligament therapy, myofascial release therapy and animal communication from NWSAM;  acupressure from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute and animal communication from Karen Anderson/Painted Rain Animal Sanctuary.

As a small animal massage therapist, Andrew adheres to a code of ethics that includes commitment to the following points: high-quality care, doing no harm, honesty, sensitivity to animals and their human care-takers, informed consent, confidentiality, professionalism, good business practices, clear communication, continuing education, fair pricing for services, and service within the scope of Washington State law and the code of ethics for the Northwest School of Animal Massage, the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage, and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. 

"In 2008 I got into animal massage because I wanted to further my ability to support the well-being and quality of life for my two senior dogs, Hobo and Poncho. By extension, my training and experience has led me to volunteer at the local animal shelter in Ellensburg, and offer my massage service to the animals of my family, friends and the larger community. It is fun and satisfying to communicate with animals while offering healing touch. Showing others how they can help their animal friends is another benefit of doing massage. I am grateful for the education I began and received at the Northwest School of Animal Massage. I look forward to the continuation of this journey."

Andrew is married to Sarah Scott, and they live with dog Rosie Bea, and cats Kiki and Charlie. Andrew works at Central Washington University in the Asia University America Program as an instructor of English as a Second Language and as Curriculum Coordinator. Gardening, jogging, playing various percussion, and spending time with family are very enjoyable past times for him.