C.J. Hüsgen (Candela)

Candela Jasmin Hüsgen is a lecturer and researcher at Radboud University with a background in pedagogy and animal-assisted interventions. Her work focuses on animal-assisted interventions, balancing the well-being of both humans and dogs. Her research includes animal-assisted intervention research for children and adolescents, the role and impact of assistance dogs in activities of daily living (ADL), and a current postdoctoral project on assistance dogs for veterans and other professionals with PTSD. In addition to her academic work, she has practical experience as a dog-assisted therapist working with children with behavioral difficulties in residential youth care. Candela is also active as a scientific advisor in animal-assisted interventions, regularly teaches and has served as Secretary of the International Society for Animal Assisted Therapy (ISAAT) since 2023.