Early Roots in Denver’s Vibrant Landscape
I often think of families as intricate tapestries, woven with threads of ambition, creativity, and service. Katherine E. Schomp’s story begins in the heart of Denver, Colorado, where she was born sometime in the mid-20th century, likely between the 1940s and 1950s. As one of six daughters to Ralph Savage Schomp and Katherine Jeanette “Kay” Weaver Schomp, she grew up amid a whirlwind of civic engagement and artistic flair. Ralph, born in 1914 and passing in 1988, transformed a modest automotive business into the Schomp Automotive Group, a powerhouse spanning multiple states by the time of his death. His empire provided not just financial stability but a foundation for the family’s philanthropic pursuits.
Kay, born in 1917 and leaving us in 2000, stood as a beacon of activism. She co-founded the Denver School of the Arts and earned accolades like the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation honor for her tireless work in education, arts, and healthcare. Imagine her as a conductor orchestrating Denver’s cultural symphony; her influence rippled through the community, shaping institutions that still thrive today. Katherine, absorbing this environment, developed a quiet strength that would define her path.
Building a Family of Creatives
Katherine married artist and retired Denver Art Museum exhibition specialist John Lupe. Their creative passions have bonded them for decades. John, a visual storyteller and installation artist, compliments Katherine’s introspection. Their two children reflect the family’s artistic spirit.
Justine Lupe-Schomp, born May 31, 1989, became an acting celebrity. Her career took off after graduating from the Denver School of the Arts in 2007—a school her grandmother founded—and Juilliard in 2011. She enthralled viewers as Willa Ferreyra in Succession from 2018 to 2023, balancing authority and vulnerability. She proved her flexibility in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Mr. Mercedes, and Nobody Wants This (2024). Short sentences mark her journey: Auditions. Innovations. Fame.
In 2025, Justine married visual artist Tyson Mason and had daughter Ellis in 2024. Katherine became a grandma, adding a new chapter to the family’s story. Cinematographer Colin Lupe, Justine’s younger brother, thrives in California. He meticulously captures stories for projects that reflect the family’s creative style. Colin and Justine created The Non-Essentials, Adult Swim comedy shorts, with pals Briana Pozner and Josh Duvendeck in 2020 during the pandemic’s seclusion. Katherine and John played “Dad” and “Zoom,” showing their family’s comedy. Laughter in uncertainty. Unbreakable bonds.
Katherine’s siblings are scattered but supportive. Sara lives in Sebastopol, California; Halcyon Blake in Bath, Maine; Caroline, Lisa, and Mary-Margaret in Denver. Their lives are a mix of education and service, continuing the Schomp heritage.
A Career Dedicated to Healing Minds
I admire how Katherine turned her heritage into a profession of empathy. Establishing her practice, Katherine Schomp Counseling, around 1987 at 1777 S. Harrison Street in Denver, she has devoted over 35 years to mental health. Holding a Master’s from Columbia University earned in 1989 and another from The New School for Social Research, she became a licensed Clinical Social Worker with license CSW.00991113 in Colorado.
Her expertise spans Dialectical Behavior Therapy for emotional regulation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for reshaping thoughts, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy for trauma. She addresses anxiety, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and more through individual, couple, family, and group sessions. Sessions cost $160, and she accepts insurance, making her care accessible. Katherine’s approach is collaborative, like a guide leading clients through foggy terrains toward clarity. She fosters insights, empowers changes, and builds resilience.
Achievements accumulate quietly in her field. Intensive training in DBT, adaptation of therapies for complex needs, and a diverse client base mark her impact. No flashy awards, but the transformations she facilitates speak volumes. In a world rushing forward, her work pauses to heal.
Timeline of Milestones
To grasp the rhythm of Katherine’s life, I’ve compiled this timeline. It highlights key dates and events, blending personal and professional threads.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1914 | Father Ralph Savage Schomp born. |
| 1917 | Mother Kay Weaver Schomp born. |
| 1940s-1950s | Katherine born in Denver, one of six sisters. |
| 1970s-1980s | Marries John Lupe; family life begins amid Kay’s board service. |
| 1987 | Launches Katherine Schomp Counseling practice. |
| 1988 | Father Ralph passes away. |
| 1989 | Graduates from Columbia University; daughter Justine born May 31. |
| 1990s | Raises children; son Colin born; expands practice with DBT and CBT focus. |
| 2000 | Mother Kay dies November 21 at age 83. |
| 2007 | Justine graduates Denver School of the Arts. |
| 2011 | Justine graduates Juilliard; begins acting career. |
| 2017-2023 | Justine stars in Mr. Mercedes and Succession; family spotlight grows. |
| 2020 | Stars with John in The Non-Essentials shorts on Adult Swim. |
| 2024 | Granddaughter Ellis born. |
| 2025 | Justine marries Tyson Mason. |
| 2026 (Present) | Continues active therapy practice in Denver. |
This table reveals patterns: losses interspersed with births, professional growth mirroring family expansions. Numbers ground the story 35 years in practice, six siblings, two children adding layers of depth.
Personal Interests and Influences
Beyond therapy, Katherine nurtures her own well-being. Yoga bends her body and mind into harmony. Meditation quiets the inner storm. Gardening roots her in earth’s cycles, a metaphor for the patience required in healing. These pursuits align with her holistic philosophy, blending Eastern mindfulness with Western psychology.
Her Denver roots run deep. The city’s artistic scene, bolstered by her mother’s efforts, influenced her children’s paths. Justine often credits this environment for her success, describing a supportive upbringing that encouraged dreams. I see Katherine as the steady anchor in this creative sea, her calm presence enabling others to sail far.
Recent Spotlights and Family Projects
Visibility came indirectly through Justine’s fame. Interviews in Rolling Stone and Westword from 2023 to 2025 mention Katherine as a therapist and pillar of support. The 2020 shorts stand out, with over four episodes featuring the family. Humorous sketches on everyday absurdities during lockdown, they garnered views and showcased unity. Katherine’s on-screen poise hints at untapped talents.
No controversies shadow her; instead, a narrative of quiet contribution unfolds. Her practice adapts to modern needs, like trauma groups post-pandemic. In 2026, at age likely in her 70s, she remains active, charging forward with empathy.
FAQ
Who is Katherine Schomp’s husband?
John Lupe, an artist and former installation manager at the Denver Art Museum, shares her life in a partnership steeped in creativity.
What is Justine Lupe-Schomp known for?
Justine, born in 1989, stars in Succession as Willa Ferreyra, alongside roles in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Nobody Wants This, amassing a career of over 15 credits since 2011.
How many siblings does Katherine have?
Five sisters: Sara in California, Halcyon Blake in Maine, and Caroline, Lisa, Mary-Margaret in Denver, all tied by a legacy of activism.
When did Katherine start her therapy practice?
In 1987, building to over 35 years of service by 2026, specializing in therapies like DBT and CBT.
What is the Schomp family business?
The Schomp Automotive Group, founded by Ralph in the mid-20th century, grew into a multi-state dealership network, providing the family’s economic backbone.
Who are Katherine’s parents?
Ralph Savage Schomp (1914-1988), automotive magnate, and Kay Weaver Schomp (1917-2000), activist and co-founder of Denver School of the Arts.
What recent family milestone occurred?
In 2024, granddaughter Ellis was born to Justine and Tyson Mason, whom Justine married in 2025.
What therapies does Katherine specialize in?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and group sessions for anxiety, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder.
Where does Katherine practice?
At 1777 S. Harrison Street in Denver, Colorado, charging $160 per session and accepting insurance.
What is Colin’s profession?
Colin Lupe works as a cinematographer in California, contributing to family projects like the 2020 comedy shorts.
