C.J. Hüsgen (Candela)

Candela Jasmin Hüsgen has over fifteen years of experience in animal-assisted services with dogs. Her career has been marked by a goal-oriented focus on human and animal welfare, training, and therapy. She began as a kindergarten teacher and later pursued a degree in Animal Management, seamlessly merging her two passions: working with children and dogs. Specializing in dog-assisted therapy, she is a registered dog trainer and holds a degree in pedagogical science focusing on ethics and policies from Radboud University. Her approach emphasizes high ethical and quality standards, ensuring a balanced consideration of the needs of the client, the dog, and the professional.

Alongside her primary work, Candela's unique blend of academic and practical experience is a testament to her comprehensive understanding of the field. She teaches at Radboud University as a lecturer in professional therapy skills for pedagogics in training and academic skills. Her many years of experience as an animal-assisted therapist for children with behavioral problems in residential homes further solidify her expertise. Since 2021, she has been doing a PhD at Radboud University, conducting research on Dog-Assisted Therapy in the Netherlands, a testament to her commitment to advancing the field.

Beyond her research and therapy work, she has been a speaker at various conferences and lecturer in animal-assisted therapy with dogs. As of November 2023, she is also the Secretary of the International Society for Animal Assisted Therapy (ISAAT).

• Review on Dog Assisted Therapy for children