Combining her expertise as a licensed mental health counselor and reformed shopaholic, Jennifer Melnick Carota has become an expert source on smart shopping and charitable giving. Best known for her role as the Gift Therapist, Jennifer is famous for her gift giving advice, new product reviews, and annual holiday gift guide. Products and services that meet her high standards for quality, affordability and creativity receive her endorsement in the form of the Gift Therapist’s Seal of Approval.

The Local Celebrity...
Jennifer Melnick Carota is playfully known throughout the Pittsburgh region as the Rachel Ray of shopping! Appearing as the Gift Therapist, Jennifer has been featured on Pittsburgh television including WTAE news and the Jennifer Antkowiak show. Jennifer has also been a featured motivational speaker at colleges and community events throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania since 2002.

The Entrepreneur...
A graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and California University, Jennifer started her career as a professional therapist and behavioral-health marketing executive. In 2006 she founded and incorporated BHRS Resources and Consulting to assist nonprofits and corporations with their employee development and training needs. In 2007 the company expanded focus to include program evaluation services for organizations wishing to measure their impact upon the clients and communities they serve.

The Community Champion...
Jennifer currently serves as the Director of the Schooner Youth Center in Monessen, Pennsylvania. As a full-time Director with part-time pay, Jennifer has chosen this organization as her signature charity, donating both her time and passion for this project on a daily basis. A portion of the proceeds from “Shop Smart GIVE MORE” will be donated directly to the Schooner Youth Center’s operational fund to ensure the ongoing operations and programs of the center.

The Girl Next Door...
Jennifer and her husband Robert currently reside in Belle Vernon, PA with their three four-legged children: Max, Georgie, and Snickers. As a family, Jen and Bob enjoy shopping, traveling, cooking and laughing together as often as possible. Robert, a computer genius, is primarily responsible for the programming and development of theGiftTherapist.com as well serving as Jennifer’s primary source of moral support and daily inspiration.