Sheila Poettgen

Consultant, Volunteer, and property manager in Burlington, VT

Sheila Poettgen

Consultant, Volunteer, and property manager in Burlington, VT

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Website Designer, IT Support Technician, Network Administrator, TESOL Instructor, House/Pet Sitter, International Volunteer, Property Manager, Minimalist, Bicycle Tourist, Artist

My passion is to live simply and in alignment with my values.

I work as a location-independent website designer and IT consultant. I also teach English as a second language, house and pet sit, and volunteer with organizations that promote social justice and women's empowerment.

In the past I've served as Assistant Director of an organization advocating for people with developmental disabilities, as Network Administrator for the largest Community Land Trust in the U.S.A., and as In-Home Care Provider for the elderly through the Visiting Nurse's Association of America.

For over a decade I provided network administration and tech support services to non-profit organizations in the U.S.A., most recently working with an emergency shelter providing services for people who are homeless and an organization dedicated to the implementation of nation-wide energy efficiency initiatives.

In 2010 I designed and helped build a 260 ft² off-grid home as a part of a larger effort to live a minimalist lifestyle. In 2011 through 2013 I took a break from my technology career to bicycle tour from VT to CA then through Mexico, which required a dedication to living very minimally (bicycle + tent + panniers).

From 2013 through 2019 I became a full-time international house and pet sitter and volunteered my time and tech skills to social justice and women/youth empowerment organizations in Mexico.

In 2013 I founded Rising By Design, a business dedicated to providing affordable technical support and website design services to individuals, grassroots movements and non-profit organizations around the world. At least 40% of work is completed Pro Bono as a public service to those working to create a more just, sustainable and peaceful world.

Through 2020, and until COVID-19 is sufficiently managed, I work remotely from my home in Vermont.

I believe each person has the power to affect change through every day action. I notice what a person does more than what they say.

Latest Projects : Fundraisers for Equal Justice Initiative (https://www.facebook.com/donate/3322409524458817/) and Women's Health Clinic in MX (@GO FUND ME gf.me/u/wtcmfu)

  • Work
    • Rising By Design, Founder 2013-present
  • Education
    • B.A. Fine Arts, Art History, Psychology 1995
    • CompTIA Certification: Core Hardware, Operating Systems, Network 2006
    • Website Development & Management, Professional Certificate 2006
    • TESOL Certification, Specializing in Young Learners 2010
    • Nonviolent Communication: Compassionate Educator 2013