Ursula von Bargen-Seitz Fortner grew up in Hamburg, Germany where she attended a Montessori school from grades one through eight. In 1985, Ursula emigrated 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. Ursula has been taking successive Montessori certication courses to further her knowledge of Montessori philosophy and methodology.