Ms. Richardson has a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and a Master degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the American Academy of Family Studies. Ms. Richardson is a Certified Addiction Specialist and member of the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders. She is also a member of the Professional Advisory Board for the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association.

Ms. Richardson began her career counseling heroin addicts at the Santa Clara County Methadone Detox Program from 1975-1977. She then worked in inpatient psychiatric hospitals as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician for eight years.  Ms. Richardson returned to the chemical dependency field in 1983. She developed the Youth Alcohol Awareness Program, the Minor Driving Under the Influence Program, and the First Offenders Diversion Program for Santa Cruz County in California. Ms. Richardson has worked extensively with adolescents and adults whose substance abuse has contributed to their involvement with the law, and incarceration. She consults with individuals, probation officers, and attorneys to create alternative sentencing to treatment programs for those whose crimes were influenced by untreated AD/HD and co-occurring addiction.

Wendy Richardson has devoted the last decade of her 30 year career in mental health to treating people with AD/HD and co-occurring addictions, eating disorders and behavioral addictions. She is inspired and motivated by her personal and professional passion to help others whose lives have also been affected by AD/HD and addiction. Ms. Richardson believes that educating others about AD/HD through her writing, international speaking and trainings is a huge step towards smashing stigmas, reducing shame, and helping people get the treatment they deserve. Ms. Richardson greatly enjoys balancing her private practice with her national and international speaking engagements, and consultations.

Ms. Richardson practices the suggestions that she makes to those who have the active type of AD/HD. She keeps her brain stimulated by parenting two teenagers, and traveling to exotic  parts of the world. She is a nature and wildlife photographer. Wendy Richardson is also a rock and mountain climber, enjoys hiking intense trails, and is an avid downhill skier.