About Us
Why Choose Dorval & Chorne?
We’re an independent firm, which means our recommendations are based on what’s genuinely best for you—not what benefits us.
We believe every client deserves respect, no matter where they are in their financial journey. For us, respect also means being accessible. We’re here when you need us—by phone, email, or in person.
Scroll down to read Google Reviews and to meet our team members!
The marketing materials presented on this website include testimonials that serve as reviews of Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors’ products and services. Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors does not compensate clients for reviews or testimonials, and Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors does not provide anything of value in exchange for these reviews. Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors has determined that there are no material conflicts of interest between the firm and the participant, and Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors has not influenced the statement made by the client(s) appearing on this website.
Meet the Team
Daniel J. Dorval, CFP®
President & CEO
I am President and CEO of Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors. I am a Certified Financial Planner™ who entered the financial services industry in 1998 and built a client base consisting mostly of healthcare professionals. I am the author of Financial Success for the Rest of Us: Quality of Life Planning® for Mainstream America, recently released in a fully updated edition.
I am also a frequent guest speaker for the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) on the topic of retirement income planning. We have had the privilege of helping thousands of nurses improve their quality of life through our unique group financial planning and advice agreement with MNA!
I graduated from North Dakota State University (Go Bison!) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering. I live in Otsego, Minnesota, with my wife, Tracy, and we have two adult children, Iz and Alaina. I enjoy fishing, hiking, fantasy football, Washington Nationals baseball, traveling, and recently started playing pickleball!
John T. Chorne, CFP
VICE-PRESIDENT AND CFO
I am a Certified Financial Planner™ and have been since 2008. I attended Moorhead State University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance.
I live in Maple Grove, Minnesota, and in my spare time, I enjoy learning about healthy lifestyle living, with a current focus on longevity and biohacking. I also try to get back to my native state of North Dakota as often as possible to spend time with my nieces and nephews.
Ellen A. Kvenild
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
I am the Chief Operating Officer at Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors and have been part of the team since 2006. I’m a critical resource for both our clients and advisors, managing our operations and overseeing key processes including all aspects of client servicing and communication. As Dan’s direct partner in all client relationships, I ensure client service is as painless and seamless as possible!
I graduated from Minnesota State-Mankato with a degree in communication. I live in Rogers with my husband, Kyle, and our two children, Natalie and Levi. In my free time, you can often find me cheering on Levi at baseball or soccer or chauffeuring Natalie to dance class and piano lessons. Our family loves the outdoors so if we are not at a kid’s sporting event, we hope to be enjoying nature through hiking and camping.
Bret Schuler
ADVISOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST
I am advisor support at Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors and joined the team in early 2020. I work with all of our advisors, providing behind-the-scenes support with trading, data, and technology. I also assist with MNA meetings.
I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2001 with a degree in marketing. I currently live in Maple Grove with my wife, Naomi, our four children—Virginia, Tess, Layna, and Dane—and our dog, Willow. In the winter months, we stay busy with our kids’ sporting events, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer. During the summer, we love spending time at our cabin in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Kate Chapman
ADVISOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST
I joined Dorval & Chorne in 2020 and work closely with John Chorne as his direct partner in every client relationship. My goal is to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible—whether it’s answering questions, preparing paperwork, or making sure the details are handled behind the scenes.
I graduated from Bethel University with a degree in Social Work, which has shaped the way I approach client care—with empathy, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to help. My husband, Perry, and I live in Anoka, and we’re proud parents of two college students, Peyton and Kinsley. As a family, we love game nights, concerts, cheering on the Gophers, and finding new places to explore together.
Leah Woodly, CFP®, EA
ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Leah Woodly brings a rare combination of credentials and perspective to her work as a financial planner: she is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and an Enrolled Agent licensed to practice before the IRS, giving her clients the advantage of tax expertise paired with comprehensive financial planning.
A graduate of The University of Akron, Leah began her career in engineering before transitioning to financial planning, a shift driven by a desire to help people directly rather than systems. That engineering background still shows up in her work today: a methodical, detail-oriented approach to building financial plans that are both precise and built to last.
Leah has built her practice around a specialty close to her heart: helping women in public service, from nurses to teachers and other government professionals, navigate the often-complex path to retirement. She understands that pensions, TSP accounts, and public-sector rules don’t fit neatly into generic retirement advice, and she works closely with each client to build a plan tailored to their specific benefits, timeline, and goals.
A member of the Financial Planning Association, Leah stays current on the strategies and standards that matter most to her clients’ financial futures.
Outside the office, Leah is a wife and mother of three, and calls Frederick, Maryland home. When she’s not helping clients plan for retirement, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen baking something from scratch, working in her garden, or watching her hometown faves, The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bekah D. Flaming
OPERATIONS & MARKETING
I’m working in Operations & Marketing at Dorval & Chorne Financial Advisors and joined the team in May 2024.
I graduated from Maranatha University with a BS degree in Office Administration. I was born in Kansas, grew up in southeast Wisconsin, and did some traveling while living on Guam during my first years out of college. I have lived in Minnesota since 2007.
I’m proud to hold the title of favorite aunt to 11 nieces and nephews and love spending time with family here in the Twin Cities, as well as in Wisconsin and North Carolina. One of my favorite pastimes is walking or biking around the lake near my home.
Julia Jerome, CFP®
Associate Financial Advisor
As a Certified Financial Planner™, I’m committed to helping individuals and families make confident, informed decisions about their financial lives. My goal is to create clarity, reduce stress, and help people move forward with a plan that supports both their present and their future.
I graduated from Bethel University with a degree in Business Analysis & Analytics and Finance. I live in Hanover, Minnesota, with my husband, Buddy, our daughter, Lily, and our very energetic German Shorthaired Pointer, Aspen. As a family, we love spending time outdoors—whether we’re exploring a new state park, fishing on a quiet afternoon, or getting competitive on the tennis court.