Claire Hinke, OTR/L
Industrial Rehabilitation
Clinic: Saint Paul
Education: MS Occupational Therapy, Washington University, Saint Louis
Joined Saunders: 2022
Claire is the Team Lead of the Industrial Rehabilitation Program in our Saint Paul office. She joined Saunders in 2022, after spending her first four years in the field at a Transitional Care/Long Term Care, working with the geriatric population. She has experience working with a wide variety of diagnoses including orthopedic injuries, neurologic disorders, cardiovascular conditions, etc. She enjoys watching her clients meet their goals, maximize their independence, and improve their overall quality of life. She is passionate about the industrial rehab setting, and loves creating fun work simulation activities!
Claire received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in Ohio, majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Psychology. She is often asked what brought her to Ohio, and the short answer is that it is a family tradition, as almost every member of her immediate and extended family attended UD. They are die-hard Flyer basketball fans, and travel the country to watch them play. After college, she went on to receive her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She was excited to return to the Twin Cities in 2017 after 6 years away.
Claire got married in 2026 (previously Claire Girouard)! She enjoys being active both outdoors and in the gym, playing intramural sports, cooking, going to her family’s cabin on weekends, and traveling.
Q&A with Claire
Why did you become an occupational therapist?
I love helping people reach their goals and live their best lives. I am all about promoting lifelong health and wellness!
What can patients expect when they see you in the clinic?
A calming presence, a positive and optimistic attitude, and a good listener.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
If it’s nice out, you won’t find me inside. I love being active in the great outdoors, going to my cabin, cooking, and traveling.
What are your favorite ways of staying healthy?
Biking, hiking, rollerblading, playing intramural sports, and going to Orange Theory classes.
Where is your hometown?
I grew up in Burnsville, MN
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was little, I wanted to be a city bus driver and a waitress. Dream big!
What is your favorite thing about living in Minnesota?
Summers on the lake and the beautiful fall colors.