Remembering Jutta Hinrichs

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Remembering Jutta Hinrichs

We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Jutta Hinrichs. The occupational therapy community in Alberta has lost an exemplary therapist, educator, mentor, colleague, leader, and friend.

Jutta’s contributions to the profession of occupational therapy spanned five decades, profoundly influencing generations of OTs through her clinical, academic, and professional roles.

After relocating to Calgary in 1978, Jutta held several clinical and leadership roles in areas including geriatric mental health and the OPTIMUS MS Rehabilitation Program. In 2004, she transitioned into the role of Professional Practice Leader (Adults, Acute) with Alberta Health Services in Calgary. Her thoughtful leadership and mentorship during a time of significant healthcare transformation were invaluable to the profession.

Jutta's passion for teaching and mentoring led her to join the University of Alberta’s Department of Occupational Therapy in 2010 as Academic Teaching Staff. She played a key role in establishing the Calgary Satellite Campus in 2012, where she served as a coordinator and educator. In addition to teaching multiple courses, she also served as the Calgary and Southern Alberta Coordinator of Clinical Education.

Her knowledge and insight extended beyond the classroom. Jutta contributed to the field through numerous professional and peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 22 conference presentations. Some of her notable topics included:

- Community Development and Role-Emerging Fieldwork: Building Capacity, Cultivating Practice

- Looking Back on Innovation! Lessons Learnt from an OT Satellite Program

- Teaching Therapeutic Use of Self in the Classroom: Effective Pedagogy?

- Application of the CMOP for Sustaining Employment in Persons with MS

- A Pilot Study Measuring the Utility of the MSQLI Within a Short-Term Rehab Program

Jutta guided countless occupational therapy students in their transformation into practicing professionals, instilling in them a strong sense of professionalism, collaboration, and compassion—an enduring part of her legacy.

Her unwavering commitment to the profession and her community was demonstrated through over forty years of volunteer service. She held roles with:

AAROT: Education Committee Member, Treasurer, Discipline Committee Member

SAOT: Awards Committee (2014–2015), CAOT Representative (2007–2013)

CAOT: Conference Abstract Reviewer, Alberta Board Member (2007–2013), Chair of the Complaints Committee (2013–2015), Treasurer (2016–2019), and Co-convener of the 2016 Annual Conference in Banff

Jutta’s many contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including:

CAOT Fellowship Award (2014)

AAROT President’s Award (1990)

United Way of Calgary Spirit of Gold – Outstanding Community Volunteer (2007)

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Queen’s Jubilee Medallion (2003)

SAOT Sharon Brintnell Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)

Jutta Hinrichs leaves behind a legacy of leadership, excellence, and heart. She will be missed profoundly by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.