Hendrickson was born in New York City. Her family later moved to Northport, Long Island, and maintained a home there. At an early age, Hendrickson showed an interest in the performing arts. "Artistic people have always surrounded me," she stated in a Q&A interview, citing her actor/artist family as her inspiration for wanting to become an actress. "Their talent and love for the arts continue to inspire me and always will." Her cousin is documentary filmmaker Dennis Michael Lynch. By age 5, Hendrickson was tap dancing on tabletops at family weddings. As she aged, her love for performing deepened.