I grew up on a farm in Wisconsin in a very sports-minded family and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education a minor in History from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse & a Master’s+ in Sports Management from Ohio State University. Of course, I was, and still am a Packers fan! Teaching & coaching at the middle school and high school levels consumed 7 years of my life before continuing the same at the collegiate level for 5 years. At that point in my life, I took a chance to move West to warm California with my soon-to-be husband and start a company called Gyminny Kids, Inc., the first children’s activity center in Rancho Bernardo. We thank our lucky stars every day for the demographics that led us to Rancho Bernardo back in 1986! We sold our company, now doing business as North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids on New Year’s Eve in 2021 to one of our long-term staff. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for NCGGK, the Rancho Bernardo Historical Society, and the Rancho Bernardo Foundation. Additionally, I am a member of three HOA Boards. My major personal interests are traveling and attending sporting events as well as enjoying Family and friends. I am partial to supporting the Aztec teams and our NCGGK programs and competitive teams. There are also numerous Family members to support & cheer on at varying levels of competition too!!
About Liz Mullarkey
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Rob, a retired Gyminny coach, sportscaster & NCAA Basketball official, my younger sister and brother in Wis., 3 nieces and nephews & 10 great nieces & nephews. I also have numerous cousins and we get together annually.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am transferring from being a business owner to the volunteer world. Teaching & coaching have been my primary careers & loves for most of my life and I am still finding ways to incorporate them into my current volunteer activities.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Do NOT try to keep EVERYONE happy ALL the time. If you do, you will fail in whatever you do within three months. Please as many as possible while not infringing on the rights of others.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, continuing to be a healthy and happy contributor to my Family and Community. Maybe dropping down to serving on only one HOA Board would be nice too.
Liz Mullarkey & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Cafe Luna, Capri Blu, Piacere Mio, Carvers, Pacific Social
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
38 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mike Stelman
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Friendly and caring residents. A planned community without numerous billboards that destroy the natural beauty of the area.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Elon Musk. I would like to pick his brain regarding AI and see if he could relate and communicate with someone of normal intelligence. The Poseidon.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Home Alone. Blue Bloods.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Besides being a gymnastics coach, I was also a successful track and field & cross-country coach. The biomechanics of all these sports definitely complement each other.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My Family.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Husband.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
RBHS, RB Foundation, The Spirit of the Fourth, North County San Diego Business Chamber, Rady Children’s Hospital, St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t try to please everyone all the time.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Bernardo Springs
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Wonderful neighbors. Quiet & peaceful. Walkable.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Breakfast at home. Attend an athletic event or two,, a musical concert, or a Broadway show. Enjoy a home-cooked meal, and a meal out.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Wonderful. Wisconsin.
