Claire Melstrom (nee Wolvert) was born on January 17, 1950, in Little Falls, MN. After graduating from Bemidji State University, she went on to study Public Health, earning her MA from the U of MN. While in Bemidji, Claire met Jim, and they wed in 1975, going on to have three children. After graduation, Claire spent 30+ years in healthcare as an entrepreneur and executive.