Shark Tooth Terri
HUNT•LEARN•CREATE

About Shark Tooth Terri

Hi! I’m Terri, and for more than 20 years, Topsail Island has been my happy place. Every year, no matter what else is happening in life, I find myself drawn back to these beautiful beaches. There’s something about standing at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean that brings me a sense of peace and gratitude that’s hard to describe. As I watch the tides roll in and out, I’m reminded that we’re part of something far greater than ourselves. Every wave carries a story, and every tide has the potential to reveal a hidden treasure. To me, the beach isn’t just a destination—it’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the incredible world God created. Like many visitors, I started by collecting seashells. I thought they were beautiful, and they still are. But one day I spotted something different nestled among the shells—a fossilized shark tooth. Curious, I looked it up when I got home and discovered it belonged to a Great White shark. That one little tooth changed everything. I became fascinated by the incredible history hidden beneath my feet. These weren’t just black rocks or beach souvenirs—they were fossils from sharks that swam our oceans millions of years ago. Every tooth tells a story about the animal it came from, how it lived, and the amazing marine world that existed long before any of us ever walked these shores. Before long, I wasn’t just collecting shells anymore. I was searching for history. Today, I’ve collected thousands of shark teeth and fossils from Topsail Island, and every single time I step onto the beach, I still feel the same excitement I felt when I found that very first tooth. But what brings me the greatest joy isn’t adding another shark tooth to my own collection. It’s watching someone else find theirs. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child light up with excitement when they realize they’re holding a genuine fossilized shark tooth that’s millions of years old. I love watching families laugh together, celebrate together, cheer each other on, and create memories they’ll carry home long after their vacation has ended. That’s what Shark Tooth Terri is really about. Yes, we’ll hunt for shark teeth. Yes, you’ll learn where to look, what to look for, and why Topsail Island is one of the most incredible places to search. But more importantly, we’ll slow down. We’ll explore together. We’ll share stories. We’ll discover the fascinating history hidden beneath the sand. We’ll celebrate every exciting find. And together, we’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Professionally, I hold a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Wayne State University. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients and helping people through medicine and healthcare. Those experiences taught me patience, compassion, communication, and how to make learning enjoyable for people of every age. Those same skills now allow me to guide families through an unforgettable beach adventure that’s educational, relaxed, and fun. I currently live in Macomb, Michigan, with my fiancé, Joe, our wonderful daughter, Izzy, and our lovable pit bull, Weezy. But after more than two decades of making the journey to Topsail Island, my dream is to call this incredible place home. Shark Tooth Terri isn’t just a business to me. It’s the opportunity to share the place I love most with people who may be discovering it for the very first time. Whether you’re five years old or eighty-five, whether you’re visiting Topsail for a week or returning year after year like I have, I’d be honored to share my knowledge, my favorite hunting spots, and my passion for these amazing beaches with you. Because sometimes the greatest treasure you take home isn’t the shark tooth you found… It’s the memory you made while finding it. I can’t wait to meet you and your family on the beach. See you at the water’s edge, Terri Shark Tooth Terri