Director of Prevention Services

Wendy Gibbons, LCSW

Wendy Gibbons, LCSW has been part of MPC since its inception, serving as a coalition member until hired in 2011 to serve as MPC Program Director overseeing regional prevention efforts in West Haven, Milford, Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge.  Ms. Gibbons has a long history of working with environmental strategies, evidence based models, and SPF.  Ms. Gibbons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Bridges, where she has been employed for more than 24 years.  Wendy works closely with the Board of Education in Milford, instituting a variety of prevention programs in the schools such as Natural Helpers, Substance Abuse Education and Peer Mediation. Wendy holds her certification as a trainer for Youth Mental Health First Aid. 

Program Coordinator

Kimberly Rihel, PT, MPH

Kim Rihel is the program coordinator at MPC.  A prevention specialist with over 25 years experience in health care, Kim advanced her passion for prevention by obtaining a Master's degree in Public Health in 2023.  She has seen first hand the toll that addiction can have and is dedicated to evidenced based efforts to deter youth substance use initiation and promote positive mental health.  Kim is a licensed physical therapist that holds certifications as a Naloxone trainer, TIPS trainer, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and is CPR certified.

Epidemiologist

Esinkumo Amba-Ambaiowei, MD, MPH

Dr. Esinkumo Amba-Ambaiowei is a highly skilled epidemiologist with a rich background in medicine and public health. Holding an M.B.B.S degree in medicine from Nigeria (MD equivalent) and a Master’s degree in public health from Southern Connecticut State University, Dr. Esinkumo has combined their medical training with a passion for epidemiology to address critical health issues and improve community health outcomes. 
Currently, Dr. Esinkumo works as an epidemiologist at Bridges Healthcare, where she plays a crucial role in the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) initiative. This federally funded program aims to prevent substance misuse and promote mental health wellness in West Haven, Milford, Bethany, Orange, and Woodbridge.  Dr. Esinkumo is responsible for conducting in-depth data analyses, developing prevention strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of community-based interventions. Her work is instrumental in identifying risk factors, assessing community needs, and implementing evidence-based practices that address public health concerns.
Dr. Esinkumo is passionate about addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations across various demographics.   Known for her analytical skills and collaborative approach, Dr. Esinkumo is dedicated to making a positive impact on public health.