| San Antonio, TX — For many veterans, the transition from military life to a civilian career is a search for a new mission. For Ashley Spaulding, that mission became clear: helping others find their voice. A former soldier who served at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) from 2013 to 2016, Spaulding has successfully traded her combat boots for a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), proving that military discipline is the ultimate foundation for medical expertise The Academic Journey: A “Saint” and a Specialist Spaulding’s road to clinical excellence began in San Antonio at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU). It was there, as an undergraduate, that she immersed herself in the science of communication. OLLU is home to the Harry Jersig Center, a historic clinic that emphasizes service a value that resonated deeply with Spaulding’s military background. Determined to reach the highest level of her profession, she studied in north to Michigan to complete her Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology. The rigorous graduate curriculum required her to master the complexities of swallowing disorders, cognitive communication, and speech mechanics a challenge she met with the “adaptable and adjustable” mindset she credits to her time in the Army. The Power of Flexibility: Life as a PRN Professional In the medical world, PRN (pro re nata) refers to working “as the situation arises.” For Spaulding, this isn’t just a work status; it is a lifestyle of freedom. After years of the rigid structure of military life, she now prioritizes the ability to make her own schedule. “My military career shaped me into being adaptable,” Spaulding says. This flexibility allows her to balance a demanding medical career with her most important role being a mother. Her child is her “pride and joy,” and the PRN lifestyle ensures she never misses a milestone. Whether she is vacationing or spending quality time at home, she works when she wants, on her own terms. A Legacy of Selfless Service Though she no longer wears the uniform, the “Service Before Self” ethos remains. Spaulding remains deeply committed to giving back to the community, viewing her work as an SLP as a continuation of the selflessness she learned while stationed in Texas. In the classroom or the clinic, Spaulding’s story is a blueprint for veterans looking to pivot. She has taken the resilience forged in the motor pools and training grounds of Fort Hood and translated it into the delicate, life-changing work of speech therapy. |
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