From What’s Missing to What’s Next: Dr. Ashley Shulski on Building Her Career With Walden

Ashley Shulski, PhD in Human Services ’24, MPhil in Human Services ’22, Master of Social Work (MSW) ’18, has spent her career helping people through some of their hardest moments. Before Walden, she had already worked in human and social services for more than 20 years, primarily in advocacy and crisis counseling. The work was impactful, but she knew she wanted to do more long-term clinical work with clients. She also knew life would not pause while she figured out her next step.

In 2016, Shulski was a military spouse living in Los Angeles. Her husband was on active duty in the Air Force, and a move to another state was already on the horizon. She was planning to start her MSW full time, and she needed a program that could keep up with real life.

“I knew I needed something that was online and could move along with me,” she said.

That need for flexibility led her to Walden.

Why Walden Felt Right From Day One

For Shulski, the decision to go to Walden was not only about format. It was also about feeling seen. “First appearances, first interactions are huge for me,” she said. And from her very first interaction, Walden staff were helpful, kind, and compassionate. 

Those first experiences at Walden stood out compared to other schools she considered. As a military spouse, she also appreciated benefits that made her degree more attainable, including the ability to use some of her husband’s Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

When classes began, Walden continued to exceed her expectations. One of her first courses was asynchronous, but Shulski still felt connected because of how the instructor engaged with the class. “It didn’t feel like I was disconnected from my peers,” she said.

For Shulski, those early experiences confirmed she had made the right choice.

A Clearer Professional Direction

By the time she entered Walden’s MSW program, Shulski already knew she wanted to become a clinical therapist. She had years of experience in short-term helping roles and wanted to expand into long-term therapeutic work, helping clients improve their lives over time.

As she moved through the program, that direction became even clearer.

“Each class just really solidified that the route I wanted to go was clinical social work,” she said.

Coming Back to Walden for Her Doctorate

Earning another degree was not always the plan.

While completing her MSW, Shulski saw a doctorate as more of a possibility than a goal. She loved teaching, mentoring, and scholarly writing, but she didn’t need a doctorate to practice clinically.

That changed as her professional goals expanded.

She wanted to continue growing as a clinician, but she also wanted to mentor, teach, and support newer social workers and helping professionals in a deeper way. A conversation with a peer from her MSW program helped push the idea forward, and soon after, she started Walden’s PhD in Human Services, specializing in Family Studies and Intervention. Along the way, she also earned an embedded MPhil in Human Services in 2022.

What Changed Professionally and Personally

Shulski says her experience helped open more opportunities in higher education, including presenting at professional conferences and continuing to grow in teaching and mentorship. But for her, the impact was bigger than a title or credential.

The experience has changed how she thinks, teaches, supervises, and practices.

“I feel like I’ve grown into a better human. A stronger helping professional and much more astute and attuned clinician when working directly with my clients,” she said.

That growth, she says, came not only from the coursework but also from the people around her, including peers, faculty, and her dissertation chair, whose example has shaped her in lasting ways.

Considering What Is Next for You?

Shulski’s story is a reminder that your next step does not have to wait for perfect timing. If you are balancing work, family, a move, or a life that already feels full, the right program can still help you move forward.

If you are a Walden grad returning for another degree or certificate, you may be eligible for tuition savings in eligible programs.

Disclaimer:
This testimonial reflects the personal experience and opinions of the individual. Experiences may vary and are not intended to represent typical student outcomes.

Completion of a degree or certificate does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment. Licensure and practice requirements vary by state and professional role.

Statements regarding professional growth, career opportunities, and skill development are based on the individual’s experience and should not be interpreted as guarantees.

Use of GI Bill® benefits is subject to eligibility and Department of Veterans Affairs approval.