Kelly Mathijsen

Kelly Mathijsen is a teacher researcher at the Lectorate Youth and Society at Inholland University of Applied Sciences. Her work focuses on improving youth support systems through collaborative approaches between various stakeholders in the youth care ecosystem.

Her research interests center around interprofessional collaboration in youth services, pedagogical approaches for working with young people, and collective advocacy models. Mathijsen examines how professionals in schools, neighborhoods, and online environments can recognize youth needs early and collaborate effectively with parenting support and youth care professionals.

Mathijsen's recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on the 'four-person dance' concept in youth support, with multiple publications exploring this framework from different angles. Her work consistently emphasizes practical applications for professionals, policymakers, and organizational leaders.

Her research is supported by significant funding sources including ZonMw and the City of Amsterdam through the KeTJAA Youth Knowledge Center, one of twelve Regional Youth Knowledge Centers in the Netherlands.

Mathijsen collaborates extensively with multiple organizations including perMens, the Verwey-Jonker Institute, and ROC van Amsterdam, demonstrating her commitment to practice-based research that bridges academic insights with real-world youth service delivery.