ErinRae Cook

Shaping a holistic career that draws together massage therapy, yoga and herbalism, ErinRae Cook is finding COCC’s Massage Therapy program to be a perfect place to ground herself for a new professional path.

“I have blossomed into the person that I have always wanted to be, and have so much gratitude for my time at COCC,” shares Cook, who came to Central Oregon from Alberta, Canada. “I am a goal-setter now — I strive for ‘beyond,’ and I have found a peace that helps me appreciate each moment.”

Once convinced she’d never continue her education beyond high school, Cook was inspired by the birth of her daughter and a desire to overcome some life barriers to enroll at COCC. Finding a true passion for the educational experience and growing community connections — from providing free massages to fellow students, to serving in the
Big Brothers Big Sisters program, to assisting with COCC’s annual Salmon Bake and learning to identify as a proud Métis woman — Cook flourished at the College, earning a place on the dean’s list every term. She was selected as one of three students to represent COCC on the 2025 All-Oregon Academic Team.

“I have defied boundaries and broken barriers I have set up for myself and given myself the chance to thrive in this beautiful life that is mine. The opportunities that have been presented to me over the past two years are something I will hold in my heart for all years to come.”

Cook plans to create a practice focused on spiritual and physical healing. “It gives me so much joy that my daughter is going to see her mom moving through life with a real career, always looking for new things to learn and constantly growing as a person.”