Ursula von Bargen-Seitz Fortner grew up in Hamburg, Germany where she attended a Montessori school from grades one through eight. In 1985, Ursula immigrated to Florida where she obtained a bachelor's degree in secondary mathematics education from the University of South Florida.

   Ursula holds professional Florida teaching certificates in K-6 elementary education and in 6-12 secondary mathematics education with ESOL endorsement. Ursula is planning to obtain Montessori certification in the course of this forthcoming school year.